KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna's CrossFit gym will be no more after owners Chris Emmanuel and Dwayne Hurn have decided to rebrand following global uproar at the brand in light of CrossFit Global CEO Greg Glassman’s public comments and Tweets.

"We at CrossFit Knysna are so proud of the community we represent and are a part of here in Knysna and globally," a statement issued by the owners read this morning. 

"As South Africans and human beings we can not tolerate even a hint of racism or behavior that does not encourage acceptance and inclusion for all. In light of Greg Glassman’s public comments and Tweets, and other contributing factors we have made the decision to separate ourselves from the CrossFit brand."

The shock announcement comes after Glassman has faced widespread criticism and backlash for a Tweet in reply to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Glassman had responded with 'It's Floyd-19' to a tweet from the IHME's Twitter account that read 'Racism and discrimination are critical public health issues that demand an urgent response. #BlackLivesMatter' while also linking to a statement by their director.

The backlash has seen several brands and athletes distance themselves from the brand.

These include Rogue Fitness who have withdrawn the CrossFit logo from the Rogue Invitationals and Reebok have disassociated from CrossFit completely.

Greg Glassman's tweet has faced widespread criticism.

It has also seen a huge shakeup in the CrossFit community, and the rebranding of the Knysna gym is part of the movement away from the brand. "Should major leadership changes occur and the value Crossfit HQ provides considerably improvements for affiliation we will revisit our decision," Emmanuel and Hurn's statement read. 

"We will now be called Stronger Together Community Fitness."

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