The Bottom Line
The 2024 International Functional Fitness Federation (iF3) World Champions have been crowned in Budapest, Hungary. The event saw hundreds of athletes from over 30 countries compete in 29 divisions, with the Senior (Open) Division being the most exciting.
National Pride Takes Center Stage
Many athletes view making the iF3 championship as their primary goal each year. The experience is unique, with athletes representing their country and the event having a festival-like atmosphere with an Olympic feel.
An Exciting Final Day
The "Skill Test," the penultimate event of the competition, consisted of seated legless rope climbs and a variety of handstand walks. While the new sideways handstand walk proved to be a separator for many, it was the rope climbs that caused Colin Bosshard to drop out of the top spot, allowing Lenn Postel to take the lead.
The Results
- Senior (Elite) Women: Mirjam von Rohr, Switzerland – 571 points
- Senior (Elite) Men: Colin Bosshard, Switzerland – 556 points
- Teams: Team Sweden – 510 points
- Juniors: Ákos Wölfinger, Hungary | Hilla Vaha, Finland (12-14 Boys | Girls)
- Masters: Guillo, Puerto Rico | Verena Evelyn Reimers, Germany (30-34 Men | Women)
Other Awards
- Top Nation Award: Switzerland (Four of the six podium finishers in the Senior division.)
- Rookie of the Year: Tom Kingdon, UK
- Most Improved Athlete: Julia Jacobson, Germany
- Sportsmanship Award: Joel Marietti, US
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Lithuania is scheduled to host the World Championship with the Juniors and Seniors, while the Masters will head to Australia. The planning of the next "Super Worlds" has begun for the Olympic year 2028.
The Bottom Line
The first iF3 World Championship, held in 2017, featured eight countries and roughly 30 athletes. The number has since risen to the impressive numbers shown at the 2024 Super Worlds. While bringing functional fitness to the Olympics may be far off, that underlying goal has sparked other accomplishments, unforeseen benefits, and new goals to achieve.
