CrossFit Tuluka was the first affiliate in Argentina. Today, the founders run five locations and host more than 3,000 members.
Along with most other affiliates in the country, CrossFit Tuluka faces a unique obstacle. Due to strict customs regulations, owners struggle to outfit their gyms. The majority of the equipment found in Tuluka’s five locations has been manufactured in the country. It takes seven days to make a single barbell, says Tuluka partner Martin Casas.
Members and owners make the best of it, but the lack of equipment has caused disappointment in the past. Tuluka boasted a sizeable membership shortly after opening its doors in the midst of the 2014 Reebok CrossFit Games Open. When Open Workout 14.4 was announced, the affiliate hosted a party. A crowd gathered in front of a screen to watch Josh Bridges and Scott Panchik complete the workout at the live announcement in Seattle, Washington. But hearts dropped when Director of the Games Dave Castro announced a 60-calorie row as the first task. CrossFit Tuluka did not have rowers.
The affiliate wasn’t alone, as 15 percent of the affiliates in Argentina were without rowers. Then a magical thing happened: The community came together to complete 14.4, with some affiliate owners and members traveling as far as 1,000 km with their rowers. Tuluka hosted a barbecue in the street, and athletes continued to row for three days following to complete the workout.
CrossFit continues to grow in Argentina, and CrossFit Tuluka founders and members are proud to have planted the first seeds.
Video by Gary Roberts and Travis Cosentino.
9min 43sec
Additional audio: “CrossFit Radio Episode 310” by Justin Judkins, published Dec. 28, 2013.
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