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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - There is more to come.
This is the sentiment of Mossel Bay firefighter Thandisizwe Mkrola, who came third overall in the national Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) SA challenge held in town last weekend.
He also came first in the country in his 35 to 39 age group.
He found, despite his phenomenal performance, that he still had more to give after his heats, so he is hoping to do even better next year.
Teamwork
It was about teamwork - the Fire Services team and the municipality overall, he said.
The TFA contest, which took place from 26 to 28 September, is the largest contest of its kind in Africa and attracted more than 400 competitors this year, a record.
Organiser Mark Smith says the standard is as high as the international TFA.
Hardest part
When he is asked what the hardest part of the competition was, Mkrola says: "Zoning in."
He said one has to ignore all distractions and everything around one and focus totally.
PHOTO GALLERY: Epic moments in Toughest Firefighter Alive challenge
Siphokazi Yabo, also of Mossel Bay, came third in the women's 25 to 29 age group.
Her advice to girls who want to be firefighters is: "Stay strong. You can do it. No one can stop you."
Relay team
Yabo was part of the first ever women relay team from Mossel Bay in the TFA in 2023.
This year was her first time participating as Mossel Bay chief fire officer Joseph Johnston (centre) with Thandisizwe Mkrola (left) and Siphokazi Yabo. an individual.
Another remarkable achievement was that Mossel Bay fire platoon commander Johann Makwak, competing for the first time, came second in the age group, 50 to 54.
Master of ceremonies
He said: "I've always been the master of ceremonies at these events, but this year I entered myself."
He said mature firefighters in the competition benefitted from all their years of "training and experience" and their "resilience".
In 2023, Mossel Bay Fire and Rescue Services entered its first men and women teams and a few individual participants.
VIDEO: Mossel Bay's amazing firefighters speak about Toughest Firefighter Alive SA challenge 2024
Great strides made
This year, it entered two men's teams, a women's team and nine individual competitors and on the day of the final, a third men's team, including chief fire officer, Joseph Johnston.
Awards
- 3rd Best Male (Toughest Firefighter Alive overall) - Thandisizwe Mkrola
- 1st Best Male (age category 35-39) - Thandisizwe Mkrola
- 2nd Best Male (age category 50-54) - Johann Makwak
- 3rd Best Female Relay Team (overall) 3rd Best Female (age category 25-29) - Siphokazi Yabo.
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