Cristi “Skella” Johnson, SkellaFit owner and fitness coach, told The News that the AWPC World Championships is an “invite-only” event. She explained that the team had accepted the invite to Idaho Falls before receiving the invite to the World Powerlifting Congress’ World Championships in Durban, South Africa this November.

“We were thrilled,” Johnson said, regarding the invite to Idaho Falls. “However, we accepted this not knowing Durban was on the horizon. Rising to the occasion, we decided to take on the challenge of doing both and doing the best that we can.”

Team members were proud of their accomplishments at the competition in Idaho and look forward to future successes.

“I think it reflects the dedication and commitment of the team as well as the quality of training we receive that seven of our members have been invited to compete internationally,” national record holder and Team SkellaFit Powerlifting member, Tina Robbins, said in the release.

News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Tuesday, Stacie Nielsen is seen deadlifting in the SkellaFit studio in Alpena. SkellaFit offers a variety of workout classes such as powerlifting and pilates.

Johnson praised her athletes’ sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the sport.

“Team SkellaFit Powerlifting embodies the spirit of community,” Johnson said in the release. “We’re always looking to bring that enthusiastic Alpena energy to all of the events we attend, and today we really showed up for one another.”

According to the release, the event in Idaho hosted over 200 competitors from 14 different countries, which included Algeria, Armenia, Bahamas, Cameroon, Canada, Finland, Great Britain, India, Italy, Mongolia, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, and the United States.

Johnson explained that SkellaFit athletes self-fund their trips to state, national, and international competitions. She said that as their competition in Durban, South Africa nears closer, the SkellaFit athletes are feeling pressed to come up with the necessary funds.

“We are just everyday people,” Johnson said. She added that most of the athletes have already used up most of their paid time off to travel to competitions, and a round trip for airfare will cost $2,000 per athlete.

“That is why we are asking the community for help,” Johnson said. “We were self-funding to go to Idaho, not knowing South Africa was on the horizon.”

To support their athletes, SkellaFit is hosting several community fundraising events to alleviate costs for travel. The public is invited to a fundraising Pep Rally at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, hosted at PIF Cider in downtown Alpena.

Those wishing to support the athletes can visit their fundraising site at SkellaFit.com, where specialty merchandise is also available for purchase.

Team SkellaFit Powerlifting Meet Results: Karen Grochowski — 1st Place Raw Master 45-49 110+ WPC World Cup Bench Press and Deadlift; Katie Jones — 1st Place Raw SubMaster 33-39 90 AWPC World Championship Bench Press and Deadlift; Krista Hempel — 1st Place Raw Masters 55-59 110+ AWPC World Championship Bench Press and Deadlift; Laura Lewis — 1st Place Raw Open 33-39 110+ AWPC World Championship Bench Press and Deadlift; Cristi Johnson — 1st Place Raw Masters 45-49 110 AWPC World Championship Full Power; Tina Robbins — 1st Place Raw Masters 50-54 110 AWPC World Championship Full Power

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.