The famed Festivus CrossFit Games came back to the CrossFit ThunderHawks play box in Rio Rancho this fall.

The preteen podium is filled with smiles and tutus at the CrossFit ThunderHawk Festivus celebration in October. Daniel Zuniga photo.

“It’s really good energy here. It’s nice to have all types of people, all types of bodies and all ages here,” CrossFitter Mason Bryan said.

Preteens and adults competed solo or in teams for a chance on the podium. Lots of Rio Rancho CrossFitters came home with hardware around their necks.

“Considering I am an old guy (75 years old), and he’s a young guy, I think we did pretty well,” CrossFitter and coach Rich Buchanan jokingly said. “CrossFit’s main purpose is to provide well-balanced exercise. As far as I know, it is the best form of exercise you can have.”

The Muffin Toppers team, composed of Buchanan and CrossFitter Andy Mounts, took third place. The team trains out of BFit505 & Burque CrossFit in Albuquerque.

“I never liked doing cardio, but this gets me to do cardio and weight lifting, which is nice,” Mounts said.

Preteens also competed and were able to find a spot on the podium. Among them were Atiana Tenerio and Jesslynn Palacio.

“We have been in CrossFit for over two years now, and this is our passion, and we love it!” Palacio said.

Palacio and Tenerio took home first and second place in their respective division. Palacio was a repeat champion in her division.

“You have to be determined. No slay, no game,” Tenerio said. “CrossFit is what we do.”