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1 December 2023
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Overall winner of the TFA 2023, Garden Route’s Emile Conrad, shared his experience winning TFA for the sixth time
Overall winner of the TFA 2023, Emile Conrad of Garden Route District Municipality Fire Service, shared his experience with us, with some advice for individuals and teams that want to participate and join the TFA troop. “TFA 2023 was an absolute blast! After competing since 2011, it’s even more rewarding to see how the TFA competition has grown over the years since the first one. I’ve also seen from year to year how firefighters come back fitter and stronger and it only makes for a more competitive sport and also shows that it is impacting the fire services across the country. This year was especially mentally tougher for me knowing that I lost the title to my good friend Manie Gouws last year in 2022.” He added,
“Though winning the overall national title for the sixth time now is so rewarding and amazing, the highlight is still the fact that we can build inter departmental relationships with firefighters across the country as well as cheering and encouraging one another on, irrespective what team you are from. I give God all the glory for these achievements”, said Conrad.
He continued, “What goes on around and behind the competition itself is so special and really trust that all emergency services and first responders could have a similar event. Meeting old friends and making new ones were also so awesome!”
“As the TFA has grown, it has become a vehicle for firefighters to test, face and overcome their physical and mental obstacles. For some it has shown them that they are truly capable of much more than what they’ve thought. And for all of us, it has given us something to train for and made us more prepared for the unknown territory out there that we can face at any emergency. I encourage each firefighter, especially the younger ones, to make every effort to compete in as many firefighting competitions as possible. Even if it means that you have to pay for it yourself. Take ownership of your carrier and make it happen because the benefits outweigh the costs”, added Conrad.
“To compete on a competitive level in the TFA competition, means that you will have to work extremely hard but more importantly, consistency is more important. Your reason why (what is your why) is the most important in this and will carry you through the pain and adversity you will face. My reason is the fact that I've realised that this is something our Lord Jesus Christ has given me to do and therefore the reason for all the achievements. Don’t wait till a few months before the competition; stay fit and prepared, after-all, we need to be extremely physical and mentally prepared for our work as well as we never know what to face”, he shared.
“High intensity training is key and will highlight your strengths and growth (weaknesses) areas, so leave any sense of pride or ego behind and acknowledge what you're good at but also acknowledge your weaknesses and consistently work on them as well. Though you gain much confidence if you repaired well…. never make the mistake of underestimating the TFA competition itself. It will and has always been tough, no matter what level of fitness you have. There are still lots to share and I avail myself for any advice or guidance whatsoever”, said Conrad.
“God bless you all and all the best with your preparation for the next one!”
“Though winning the overall national title for the sixth time now is so rewarding and amazing, the highlight is still the fact that we can build inter departmental relationships with firefighters across the country as well as cheering and encouraging one another on, irrespective what team you are from. I give God all the glory for these achievements”, said Conrad.
He continued, “What goes on around and behind the competition itself is so special and really trust that all emergency services and first responders could have a similar event. Meeting old friends and making new ones were also so awesome!”
“As the TFA has grown, it has become a vehicle for firefighters to test, face and overcome their physical and mental obstacles. For some it has shown them that they are truly capable of much more than what they’ve thought. And for all of us, it has given us something to train for and made us more prepared for the unknown territory out there that we can face at any emergency. I encourage each firefighter, especially the younger ones, to make every effort to compete in as many firefighting competitions as possible. Even if it means that you have to pay for it yourself. Take ownership of your carrier and make it happen because the benefits outweigh the costs”, added Conrad.
“To compete on a competitive level in the TFA competition, means that you will have to work extremely hard but more importantly, consistency is more important. Your reason why (what is your why) is the most important in this and will carry you through the pain and adversity you will face. My reason is the fact that I've realised that this is something our Lord Jesus Christ has given me to do and therefore the reason for all the achievements. Don’t wait till a few months before the competition; stay fit and prepared, after-all, we need to be extremely physical and mentally prepared for our work as well as we never know what to face”, he shared.
“High intensity training is key and will highlight your strengths and growth (weaknesses) areas, so leave any sense of pride or ego behind and acknowledge what you're good at but also acknowledge your weaknesses and consistently work on them as well. Though you gain much confidence if you repaired well…. never make the mistake of underestimating the TFA competition itself. It will and has always been tough, no matter what level of fitness you have. There are still lots to share and I avail myself for any advice or guidance whatsoever”, said Conrad.
“God bless you all and all the best with your preparation for the next one!”