Van Straaten is one of only seven South Africans to qualify in his division for the prestigious event and will compete in the Masters Solo. The accomplished athlete is currently ranked ninth in the world in his age category of 40 to 44 years, placing him among the sport’s elite competitors.

More than 3,200 athletes from 223 countries will descend on the iconic Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in London for the two-day championship. 

Riaan van Straaten with Leopards in Kimberley. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Deadly Dozen is an elite yet accessible global fitness racing format designed to test an athlete’s endurance, strength and agility. 

Competitors take on a gruelling “12 Runs, 12 Labours” challenge, alternating between running segments and demanding functional fitness exercises such as kettlebell deadlifts, farmers carries, dumbbell snatches and burpee broad jumps.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Van Straaten said qualifying for the World Championships was a major milestone and one that exceeded even his own expectations. “I’ve been blessed by qualifying for the Deadly Dozen World Championship.” “It’s going to take place at Crystal Palace in London. It’s a massive honour and it was always the aim to qualify.

“I was very excited to learn that I did qualify, but I was even more surprised when I got the times, and it showed that I’m ranked ninth in the world at the moment within my age group. Being in the top 10 is very exciting.”

While the opportunity is a dream come true, Van Straaten admitted that getting to London comes with significant financial challenges. 

Balancing his ambitions as a world-class fitness athlete with his responsibilities as a professional rugby coach is another hurdle he must overcome.

“It’s obviously going to cost an arm and a leg to do it. It’s going to cost me in the region of R60,000, so we’ve started a sponsorship campaign looking for brands that want to partner with me so that I can represent them and make this happen.”

Although qualifying for the Deadly Dozen World Championships is a major achievement, Van Straaten revealed that competing at the Hyrox World Championships remains a long-term goal.

“The Hyrox World Champs is actually the dream, but I’m so happy to be going to the Deadly Dozen World Champs.”

For Van Straaten, fitness racing is about far more than competition. He says it provides a valuable escape from the pressures of professional rugby coaching while also setting an example for his family and those around him.

“I do it as a rugby coach, I guess, for therapy. It helps me get away from the pressure and frustration. It clears the mind, but at the same time, it inspires those around us and proves that anything can be done.

“I have two young children, and they’ve got to learn that whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve it. It’s a massive thing, not just for me, but for my family as well.

“There’s a lot of early morning hours that go into it, balancing family life and balancing the professional rugby coaching scene and everything that goes with it. But I’m just blessed, I’m just happy, and I’m really hoping I can get to London.”

The 2026 Deadly Dozen World Championship in London will take place on 5 and 6 September.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg