Kevin Manuel Mount CrossFit in Tauranga, has earned his berth to compete against the fittest men and women on the planet at the CrossFit Games in America, after finishing fourth place in the Pacific Regional in Australia over the weekend.
Making a podium finish is a dream come true for Manuel, so much so he was almost lost for words.
"I can't believe it, it's been a long weekend of ups and downs. I can't believe it, I got there - it's unbelievable!" exclaimed Manuel.
Ranked out of the top five heading into the final two events, his 2nd place finish in the final workout was enough to push him up to qualify.
Manuel says, "I knew I had to go as hard as I could on that last one it obviously was enough I had no idea when I finished if it was enough, but they read my name, I'm sorry I just can't believe it, I still can't believe it."
James Connew narrowly missed out on America, after placing 5th equal with Australian Ben Garard, but a final count-back in points saw him finish in 6th place.
Connew said, "Glad it's over, obviously not what I was hoping for I come off top 6 top 10 is all I wanted really, so can't be mad at that."
The only New Zealand team to make it through, were Zak's Pack East Tamaki who came into the competition as the top seed, finishing the weekend at second place.
"Even though we're just representing our gym, it feels like we're representing the country and we're incredibly proud to have been taking that on-board," said Zak Nothling.
This year, the New Zealand flag will be waving at the CrossFit Games in July in Carson, California.