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6 December 2024
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South Africa’s firefighters take part in the World firefighter Games 2024
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The World firefighter Games 2024 was held in Aalborg, Denmark from the 7 to 14 September 2024 and attracted over 1 500 firefighters from over 50 countries. The games are held biennially in different countries and offer more than 50 different sports with the Toughest Firefighter Alive being the blue riband event.
Toughest Firefighter Alive International
Mark Smith of Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa, said, “Taking part internationally is important because it exposes us to best practices throughout the world. The TFA competition was run with precision and discipline in an orderly manner. The individual races were run entirely on schedule and latecomers were disqualified or penalised if they were not present at their scheduled starting time. The actual TFA competition had every age category being extremely competitive with the competitors that were being on the highest levels regardless of age or gender. “
“Being exposed to the high levels of competition can only be beneficial for South Africa. We are exposed to world-class organising and competition which can be taken back to South Africa to improve ourselves. The high level of international competition elevates the firefighters ability and exposure them to different methods and competition levels. Firefighters skills are enhanced as competing internationally requires research to be done on the latest techniques with training methods required to be more scientific train on a much high level in order to prepare themselves to compete internationally”, said Smith.
“Team South Africa had a dedicated TFA team with the three South Africans to achieve medals at the TFA competition Emile Conrad (bronze), Hermanus (Manie) Gouws (bronze) and Baigum Abrahams (silver), who can be extremely proud of their achievements due to the highly competitive nature of the event. We are given the assurance that our firefighters can achieve success on the international stage, which will encourage others to follow suite. The knock-on effect of the successful firefighters will reverberate throughout South Africa as more and more firefighters strive to excel on the international stage, which in turn will have a positive impact on their communities”, added Smith.
View gallery
Western Cape Fire Fighters Association Committee
Francis van der Byl, chairperson for the Western Cape Fire Fighters Association Committee, based in Cape Town, said, “The
Western Cape Fire Fighters Association takes great pride in announcing the recent successful participation of at least 30 South Africans at the World Fire Fighter Games, in Aalborg Denmark. Team South Africa bagged a total of 54 medals, comprising of 16 gold, 20 silver and 18 bronze. The oldest South African competitor, retired Divisional Officer Max Magnussen, aged 70 plus, taking an impressive four gold medals and one silver, was the star of the team.”
Van der Byl added, “The Fire fighter Games activities consist of more than 40 different events including the Toughest Fire Fighter Alive competition, track and field, swimming and many more, where fire fighters can come together, not only to compete but to share skills and friendship across the globe. More importantly, the World Fire fighter Games is an inclusive event where both full time, volunteer and retired fire fighters are welcome to compete.”
“The team predominantly from the Western Cape comprised of a total of 36 competitors, of which four were Females and 32 males. Team South Africa managed to spend a day in the beautiful City of Copenhagen, with its rich culture and very clean and efficient transportation network, before embarking on a six hour bus ride to Aalborg. Aalborg is truly a City of culture and sports, renowned for hosting some prestigious events, including maritime and musical concerts of note. The City lived up to its promise of welcoming all fire fighters and their family members with a opening march through the City centre and some restaurants and watering holes offering a diverse range of gastronomic delights indeed. (The last man standing was almost left behind at the Proud Mary’s watering hole),” said Van der Byl.
“Of course, the public were treated to the Toughest Fire Fighter Alive competition, with the fittest fire fighters across the globe vying for the quickest time against their fellow competitors. This being the signature event of the Games, was hosted at the Games Village, near the Utzon Centre, with a display of the latest and most modern firefighting resources and equipment on display for the public to see,” he added.
“Team South Africa is looking forward to the next games scheduled for 2026, being hosted by Saudi Arabia and certainly hopeful that many more South African fire fighters will be participating,” said Van der Byl.
Some feedback from the participants
Emile Conrad
I am honoured to have represented our municipality and South Africa at the World Firefighter Games in Aalborg, Denmark. This year's event was an incredible experience, featuring top-notch competition, camaraderie and personal growth.
Highlights
I participated in three events: Indoor Rowing, Stair Running and the World Championship Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition.
The World Firefighter Games was an unforgettable experience, marked by fierce competition, new friendships and a deep sense of camaraderie. Reuniting with international TFA athletes from the Aramco Firefighter Challenge in Saudi Arabia earlier this year was a highlight of the event. I am grateful for the unwavering support from our department, municipality, and fellow South Africans. Your encouragement and cheers meant the world to me and the entire South African team.
The World Firefighter Games 2024 was an incredible journey of personal growth, athletic achievement and international camaraderie. I am proud to have represented our municipality and South Africa and I look forward to building on this experience for future competitions.
Baigum Abrahams
My experience in the World Firefighter Games was a truly remarkable experience. I was honoured to have been part of the team to represent South Africa in Denmark 2024. Alongside fellow firefighters who embody the true spirit of firefighting in their display of grit, determination and bravery through the TFA course. Not only in our country but from likeminded individuals from around the globe. Also, seeing old friends and making new ones was definitely a highlight of the whole experience.
My competition results:
Silver: TFA age category and fourth overall
Bronze: Stair run in age category
Gold: 100m sprints over all
Gold: 200m sprints
Bronze: Indoor rowing
Manie Gouws
This year was my fourth time competing at the WFFG and as always, I enjoyed it a lot. I was a bit disappointed with the opening ceremony and felt that the organisers could have done a bit more but for the rest of it the games were arranged with precision and perfection. It was nice competing against and meeting old friends from the previous games. I am looking forward to the next one in Saudi Arabia.
My results in 45-49 age group:
• 10 000m Silver
• 3 000m steeplechase Silver
• 1 500m Bronze
• 800m Silver
• TFA Bronze
Piet Nieman
Piet Nieman said, “This was the most amazing experience that I have ever had; being the "rooky" made it more exited for me. At first, I was not impressed with my results but as I studied it and had time to think about it, it seems to be not that bad at all! The highlight of the event was to be able to meet the Turkey team; I was part of the rescue team to Turkey with the earthquake in 1999 and those guys were very impressed with me; they tell me (google translate) that I'm their hero because no skin colour or religion kept us from helping them!
Tertius Engelbrecht
I started my career in the fire service in 2004 at Midvaal Fire Department and still going strong. In 2013, I started with the Toughest Firefighter Competitions. In 2022 I came third in my age category in Mossel Bay and placed in the top 10 overall. In 2023, I come first in my age category and placed in the top 10 overall. I was selected to join the South African team to go to Denmark. It was an honour to represent my country in Denmark. The South African Toughest Firefighter Alive Team was a very close knit team and it was a pleasure and honour to be part of the team. From day one, all of us just clicked and worked together and supported each other. I participated in the Stair Run and ended 14th in my age category and ended 88th overall out of 198 participants.
I also participated in the Fire Truck Challenge. An obstacle course was set up and you needed to drive through the course with a brand new fire engine against time and penalties were given when a road cone was bumped.
The Toughest Firefighter Challenge was a super well planned event.
My results were: 12th in my age category and 56 overall out of 210 participants. Time 08:48
Vincent Naudé
What an experience it was and what a privilege it was to be a part of the team that we went over with, from different ways of life and departments we all felt like family from the get go. The camaraderie is always the highlight of these events, when I reflect back to our nationals and then take it over to Denmark it always seems to amaze me and I’m grateful for that. The rowing was my first ever rowing event as well as the stair run and it proved to be quite the challenge and test the endurance and will power.
Competing in the TFA on an international level was quite the experience and the quality and fitness level is extremely high but also so humbling and extraordinary, which serves as a good mark to measure yourself against the best of the best in the world. Nationals are nerve wrecking so you can imagine what the world stage does to one but the 1st one is in the bag and God willing there will be more and with even greater success as each time we compete we learn ourselves, our bodies and the strength of our mind sets. All glory be to God for what he has blessed us with. In my age category I was placed 17th and overall 83rd, which I’m grateful for because the margin for improvement is certainly there!
World Firefighters Games 2026
The 16th World Firefighters Games will take place in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, from 5 to 13 November 2026 (WFG26). The event will be hosted by ARAMCO.
The 16th edition of the Games is expected to attract participants and their families from over 50 countries, making it one of the most significant global gatherings of firefighting professionals. “We are pleased to have awarded the 16th World Firefighters Games to Aramco as they have extensive experience in delivering the Aramco Firefighter Challenge every two years. There last event was spectacular,” said John Hartley, executive director of the World Firefighter Games Governing Body. “The WFG26 aligns perfectly with our values of safety and excellence. It also provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the capabilities and preparedness of our firefighters and teams while fostering international camaraderie among firefighters.”
Toughest Firefighter Alive International
Mark Smith of Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa, said, “Taking part internationally is important because it exposes us to best practices throughout the world. The TFA competition was run with precision and discipline in an orderly manner. The individual races were run entirely on schedule and latecomers were disqualified or penalised if they were not present at their scheduled starting time. The actual TFA competition had every age category being extremely competitive with the competitors that were being on the highest levels regardless of age or gender. “
“Being exposed to the high levels of competition can only be beneficial for South Africa. We are exposed to world-class organising and competition which can be taken back to South Africa to improve ourselves. The high level of international competition elevates the firefighters ability and exposure them to different methods and competition levels. Firefighters skills are enhanced as competing internationally requires research to be done on the latest techniques with training methods required to be more scientific train on a much high level in order to prepare themselves to compete internationally”, said Smith.
“Team South Africa had a dedicated TFA team with the three South Africans to achieve medals at the TFA competition Emile Conrad (bronze), Hermanus (Manie) Gouws (bronze) and Baigum Abrahams (silver), who can be extremely proud of their achievements due to the highly competitive nature of the event. We are given the assurance that our firefighters can achieve success on the international stage, which will encourage others to follow suite. The knock-on effect of the successful firefighters will reverberate throughout South Africa as more and more firefighters strive to excel on the international stage, which in turn will have a positive impact on their communities”, added Smith.
View gallery
Western Cape Fire Fighters Association Committee
Francis van der Byl, chairperson for the Western Cape Fire Fighters Association Committee, based in Cape Town, said, “The
Western Cape Fire Fighters Association takes great pride in announcing the recent successful participation of at least 30 South Africans at the World Fire Fighter Games, in Aalborg Denmark. Team South Africa bagged a total of 54 medals, comprising of 16 gold, 20 silver and 18 bronze. The oldest South African competitor, retired Divisional Officer Max Magnussen, aged 70 plus, taking an impressive four gold medals and one silver, was the star of the team.”
Van der Byl added, “The Fire fighter Games activities consist of more than 40 different events including the Toughest Fire Fighter Alive competition, track and field, swimming and many more, where fire fighters can come together, not only to compete but to share skills and friendship across the globe. More importantly, the World Fire fighter Games is an inclusive event where both full time, volunteer and retired fire fighters are welcome to compete.”
“The team predominantly from the Western Cape comprised of a total of 36 competitors, of which four were Females and 32 males. Team South Africa managed to spend a day in the beautiful City of Copenhagen, with its rich culture and very clean and efficient transportation network, before embarking on a six hour bus ride to Aalborg. Aalborg is truly a City of culture and sports, renowned for hosting some prestigious events, including maritime and musical concerts of note. The City lived up to its promise of welcoming all fire fighters and their family members with a opening march through the City centre and some restaurants and watering holes offering a diverse range of gastronomic delights indeed. (The last man standing was almost left behind at the Proud Mary’s watering hole),” said Van der Byl.
“Of course, the public were treated to the Toughest Fire Fighter Alive competition, with the fittest fire fighters across the globe vying for the quickest time against their fellow competitors. This being the signature event of the Games, was hosted at the Games Village, near the Utzon Centre, with a display of the latest and most modern firefighting resources and equipment on display for the public to see,” he added.
“Team South Africa is looking forward to the next games scheduled for 2026, being hosted by Saudi Arabia and certainly hopeful that many more South African fire fighters will be participating,” said Van der Byl.
Some feedback from the participants
Emile Conrad
I am honoured to have represented our municipality and South Africa at the World Firefighter Games in Aalborg, Denmark. This year's event was an incredible experience, featuring top-notch competition, camaraderie and personal growth.
Highlights
I participated in three events: Indoor Rowing, Stair Running and the World Championship Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition.
- Indoor Rowing: I won the gold medal with a personal best time of 2:57 on the 1 000m row. Indoor rowing has become an integral part of my preparation for TFA competitions and I'm thrilled to have achieved this milestone.
- Stair Running: This year's event featured a significant running section before the stair climb, which favoured athletes with strong running backgrounds. Although I didn't place as high as I had hoped, this event provided valuable insights into areas for improvement.
- TFA World Championship: I secured third place in my age category and ranked 14th overall in the world championship. This achievement is a testament that hard work and dedication to training pays off.
The World Firefighter Games was an unforgettable experience, marked by fierce competition, new friendships and a deep sense of camaraderie. Reuniting with international TFA athletes from the Aramco Firefighter Challenge in Saudi Arabia earlier this year was a highlight of the event. I am grateful for the unwavering support from our department, municipality, and fellow South Africans. Your encouragement and cheers meant the world to me and the entire South African team.
The World Firefighter Games 2024 was an incredible journey of personal growth, athletic achievement and international camaraderie. I am proud to have represented our municipality and South Africa and I look forward to building on this experience for future competitions.
Baigum Abrahams
My experience in the World Firefighter Games was a truly remarkable experience. I was honoured to have been part of the team to represent South Africa in Denmark 2024. Alongside fellow firefighters who embody the true spirit of firefighting in their display of grit, determination and bravery through the TFA course. Not only in our country but from likeminded individuals from around the globe. Also, seeing old friends and making new ones was definitely a highlight of the whole experience.
My competition results:
Silver: TFA age category and fourth overall
Bronze: Stair run in age category
Gold: 100m sprints over all
Gold: 200m sprints
Bronze: Indoor rowing
Manie Gouws
This year was my fourth time competing at the WFFG and as always, I enjoyed it a lot. I was a bit disappointed with the opening ceremony and felt that the organisers could have done a bit more but for the rest of it the games were arranged with precision and perfection. It was nice competing against and meeting old friends from the previous games. I am looking forward to the next one in Saudi Arabia.
My results in 45-49 age group:
• 10 000m Silver
• 3 000m steeplechase Silver
• 1 500m Bronze
• 800m Silver
• TFA Bronze
Piet Nieman
Piet Nieman said, “This was the most amazing experience that I have ever had; being the "rooky" made it more exited for me. At first, I was not impressed with my results but as I studied it and had time to think about it, it seems to be not that bad at all! The highlight of the event was to be able to meet the Turkey team; I was part of the rescue team to Turkey with the earthquake in 1999 and those guys were very impressed with me; they tell me (google translate) that I'm their hero because no skin colour or religion kept us from helping them!
Tertius Engelbrecht
I started my career in the fire service in 2004 at Midvaal Fire Department and still going strong. In 2013, I started with the Toughest Firefighter Competitions. In 2022 I came third in my age category in Mossel Bay and placed in the top 10 overall. In 2023, I come first in my age category and placed in the top 10 overall. I was selected to join the South African team to go to Denmark. It was an honour to represent my country in Denmark. The South African Toughest Firefighter Alive Team was a very close knit team and it was a pleasure and honour to be part of the team. From day one, all of us just clicked and worked together and supported each other. I participated in the Stair Run and ended 14th in my age category and ended 88th overall out of 198 participants.
I also participated in the Fire Truck Challenge. An obstacle course was set up and you needed to drive through the course with a brand new fire engine against time and penalties were given when a road cone was bumped.
The Toughest Firefighter Challenge was a super well planned event.
My results were: 12th in my age category and 56 overall out of 210 participants. Time 08:48
Vincent Naudé
What an experience it was and what a privilege it was to be a part of the team that we went over with, from different ways of life and departments we all felt like family from the get go. The camaraderie is always the highlight of these events, when I reflect back to our nationals and then take it over to Denmark it always seems to amaze me and I’m grateful for that. The rowing was my first ever rowing event as well as the stair run and it proved to be quite the challenge and test the endurance and will power.
Competing in the TFA on an international level was quite the experience and the quality and fitness level is extremely high but also so humbling and extraordinary, which serves as a good mark to measure yourself against the best of the best in the world. Nationals are nerve wrecking so you can imagine what the world stage does to one but the 1st one is in the bag and God willing there will be more and with even greater success as each time we compete we learn ourselves, our bodies and the strength of our mind sets. All glory be to God for what he has blessed us with. In my age category I was placed 17th and overall 83rd, which I’m grateful for because the margin for improvement is certainly there!
World Firefighters Games 2026
The 16th World Firefighters Games will take place in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, from 5 to 13 November 2026 (WFG26). The event will be hosted by ARAMCO.
The 16th edition of the Games is expected to attract participants and their families from over 50 countries, making it one of the most significant global gatherings of firefighting professionals. “We are pleased to have awarded the 16th World Firefighters Games to Aramco as they have extensive experience in delivering the Aramco Firefighter Challenge every two years. There last event was spectacular,” said John Hartley, executive director of the World Firefighter Games Governing Body. “The WFG26 aligns perfectly with our values of safety and excellence. It also provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the capabilities and preparedness of our firefighters and teams while fostering international camaraderie among firefighters.”
