Sport
15 August, 2026
Two-time world champ
TULLY athlete Dylan Crema has put his hometown on the world stage after winning his division at the Adaptive CrossFit Games in San Jose, California, from 24-26 July, claiming back to back world titles and returning home a two-time world champion.
The 26-year-old first won the championship in Las Vegas in 2025 and successfully defending his title this year marks an extraordinary achievement.
More than 500 elite competitors from around the globe gathered at the SAP Centre for the 20th anniversary of the games, which showcase the world’s top adaptive athletes across divisions including seated athletes, neurological impairments and vision impairments.
Crema started strongly, dominating day one with burpees, rowers, bikes and shoulder to overheads, winning both events and collecting the full 200 points.
On day two, he won the opening event and placed second in the next. A heavy weighted event pushed him to his limits, but he achieved a personal best in his 2RM snatch, narrowly missing an even bigger lift due to the time cap.
Entering the final day at the top of the leaderboard, Crema powered through the first event with blistering speed.
In the last workout, a gruelling combination of wall balls and a heavy shoulder to ground ball, he dug deep, finished before the time cap and sealed his status as CrossFit Games champion for 2025 and 2026. “Winning the world championship for the second year in a row was even more special,” Crema said.
“The first win in Las Vegas was unexpected, but returning with the pressure of defending my title and winning again meant so much.
“I’m so grateful to my sister and coach, Maddie, family, friends and everyone who has supported me. I’m already looking forward to what’s next.”
Crema was born with Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome (VCFS), a genetic condition caused by a small deletion on chromosome 22 (22q11.2). It brings health challenges such as heart defects and an intellectual disability, but he has never allowed any of it to define him or limit what he can achieve.
He began CrossFit at home during COVID-19 in 2020 with his mum Maria. His early workouts were tough, but he persevered. Soon after, his carer Tracee Tozer, who is also a personal trainer and coach, introduced Crema to adaptive CrossFit, helping him take his training to the next level.
Before CrossFit, Crema was 35 kilograms heavier and lacked confidence.
“CrossFit has transformed my life,” he said.
“It’s made me stronger, healthier and more independent, and given me opportunities I never imagined.”
His rise began in 2023 when he won his division at the Down Under Championships.
He has since represented Australia at the CrossFit Games, finishing sixth in San Antonio and first in Las Vegas.