The intense heat of Miami mirrored the competitive atmosphere at Legacy Gym, which hosted the Red Bull Gym Clash National Final. Sixteen elite teams converged to battle for the prestigious title of the Greatest Gym on Earth. As the competition unfolded, Team Bear Republic from San Diego, CA emerged victorious, securing their place in the World Final set to take place in Athens this October.
The Red Bull Gym Clash represents the pinnacle of global gym competitions, testing fitness communities through a rigorous four-stage process: Selection, Regional Qualifiers, National Final, and concluding with the World Final. Each participating team, consisting of two men and two women, faced challenges that evaluated their endurance, skill, power, and strategic thinking through a series of demanding synchronized events.
Team Bear Republic expressed their elation after the victory, emphasizing the dedication and rigorous training that brought them to this moment. “We put in a lot of hard work, running through these workouts again, a lot of practice time together,” they reflected. “A lot of hard work paid off, and we went out there and we showed it on the floor tonight.”
Finishing behind Bear Republic were local favorites Team Peak 360 from Miami, FL who claimed second place, while Team Invictus from Washington, D.C. secured the third spot on the podium.
What set Team Bear Republic apart from their competitors was not the presence of a single standout athlete, but the cohesive balance of their team dynamics. “I wouldn’t say any one of us has one extreme skill set,” they explained. “We’re all very capable across the board… our combined strength puts us across the board, the number one team.”
The competition was fierce from the outset, beginning with a team max clean & jerk, followed by synchronized squats, burpees, and shoulder-to-overheads that pushed all participants to their limits. One member candidly shared, “The front squats were the toughest part for me to grit through, but I think my teammates will echo the same sentiments.”
Despite training across various locations, including Sacramento, Florida, and San Diego, the team displayed remarkable synchronization when it mattered the most. “We came together, had a game plan, and executed,” they noted.
The event also highlighted the importance of community and spirit, as noted by Red Bull fitness athlete Noah Ohlsen, who played a key role in hosting. He commented on the electrifying energy present, reminiscent of his early competitive years, stating, “Raw, electric, and all about community. This event takes that grassroots spirit and elevates it with the signature Red Bull twist!”
Ohlsen emphasized that success hinged on strategic communication, underscoring that teams would struggle if their synergy faltered.
With their national title secured, Team Bear Republic is now focused on representing the U.S. on the global stage. “We want to go out there and do our best,” they said, highlighting the honor of competing against teams from 14 other countries in Athens. “We want to represent the USA, put forth a good effort, and try to win the global final.”
As they prepare for their next challenge, Ohlsen offered practical advice: “Practice the movements both solo and synced up with the team as often as possible. Try different strategies until you dial in the one that will help you win the World Final.”
But for now, the team’s primary focus is on celebration. As they humorously shared, “We’re going to the club, and we’re gonna eat too. We got our 20 hours of sleep today.”
The road from Miami to Athens may still be long, but Team Bear Republic has undeniably proven they are ready to face the world.
image source from：redbull
