A 40-YEAR-OLD from Warrington will head to London this weekend to battle it out with some of the world's fittest people.

Sian Percival-Edwards will line up against nine of the world’s best at ‘Strength in Depth’, one of only handful of sanctioned CrossFit events in Europe which takes place this Friday to Sunday.

In order to qualify for the elite Masters competition (ages 40-44), Sian needed to place in the top 10 of her age group in the CrossFit Open, a global challenge.

Sian is one of the top ten athletes from across the world shortlisted in her age category – 40 to 44 (Masters) - for the sanctioned event, which will also include world number two, Kelly Friel.

Sian, who lives in Chapelford and trains at CrossFit LST in Sankey Bridges, has competed in Ironmen, hockey, football, cycling and running challenges for many years.

She has only been taking part in CrossFit for five years, but she considers this the peak of her successes all so far.

“I’m blown away to have the chance to stand alongside such amazing athletes at Strength in Depth,” said Sian. “I’ll give it everything I’ve got. I’m nervous and excited, but I’m relishing the challenge of pitting myself against the very best of the best.

“How many times I your life are you going to be invited to compete in a sanctioned event like this? It happens to very few people, and it’s very rare to get the opportunity to stand alongside this calibre of athletes. For me, it’s about competing with everything I’ve got and, most importantly, enjoying every minute of it.”

Warrington Guardian:

Sian is one of around 100 members who use CrossFit LST in Sankey Bridges to keep fit and active, and the gym’s community is rallying around Sian as she aims to compete with the world’s top athletes. Some will be taking the trip to London to support her.

“CrossFit LST is a very special place, and it’s special because of the people who come here,” Sian added. “Gyms can be so vanilla, but not here because it’s about people and about each other. I love the work outs and the diversity of the workouts; the coaches are immense, and the people all support and help each other every day. The camaraderie has been brilliant since I told people I was going to STrength in Depth and I’m so happy people are making the effort to come and support me.”

CrossFit LST co-owner and coach, Phil Leonard, added: “The support for Sian has been phenomenal, and her dedication to achieving small, incremental gains every day is inspiring to us all. Five years ago I don’t think Sian would have believed she could reach this level, but to do so is one hell of an achievement. We’re proud to have been able to help her on her way."

Due to its popularity, membership to CrossFit LST is currently restricted to just10 new members for the next two months, and people are able to have a free trial with the coaches on certain days during the week.