18 September 2024 Media Release: GRDM’s Emile Conrad achieved bronze (3rd place) in World Firefighter Games in Denmark
Media release: GRDM’s Emile Conrad achieved bronze (3rd place) in World Firefighter Games in Denmark
For immediate release
18 September 2024
This month, from 7 to 14 September 2024, Emile Conrad, Senior Firefighter and current South African Toughest Firefighter Alive, competed in the World Firefighter Games in Denmark.
Victorious moments as Emile Conrad, Senior Firefighter at GRDM won 3rd place (a bronze medal) at the World Firefighter Games.
After competing in his age category (40-44), Conrad won the third place, placing him fourteenth overall on the world ranking list of the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA)! This is proof of a remarkable achievement. Sharing his experience of the event and his overall performance, he said: “The challenge demanded skill, strength, and endurance to push through against the best competitors in the World in a rapidly growing sport”.
Further describing the stair running event, he said that the event proved to be a thrilling test of cardiovascular fitness. In terms of the Indoor rowing event, “it was another opportunity to hold on through mental and physically tough times,” he added. “By the grace of God and strength, I could improve on my personal best times and achieved one Gold medal in my age category, as well as being placed the third best time overall of 2:57 for the 1000m row”.
Senior Firefighter at GRDM, Emile Conrad, hard at work during the World Firefighter Games in Denmark.
Described being back at home, he said: “It is so great to be back home in South Africa after an exhilarating trip to Denmark, where I had the privilege of representing our country and our Municipality in the World Firefighter Games 2024”. In addition, he described the experience as an unforgettable event, as he pushed his limits in events like the TFA, Indoor Rowing and Stair Running, which tested his physical and mental endurance and all the hard work and preparation. Conrad also mentioned that the camaraderie among fellow firefighters from around the globe left them with invaluable lessons, new friendships, and unforgettable memories. “Denmark’s warm hospitality and vibrant culture made the experience even more enriching,” he highlighted.
In conclusion he said: “I’ve returned home feeling proud of our team South Africa and blessed that God has given me these opportunities to be an ambassador for Christ. Lastly thank-you to each and every one for their support, kind words of encouragement and prayers – God is truly Faithful”.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Andrew Stroebel, and the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, on behalf of the Council and staff of GRDM, congratulated Emile for his stirling performance at the competition and for bringing home a medal to the people of South Africa, especially to the residents of the Garden Route.
Very well done Emile Conrad!
ENDS