World Champion Dylan Honoured At Home

Dylan Crema proudly wears his world championship medal and holds his Council honour, with trainer Tracee Tozer, parents Maria and Peter, and Mayor Teresa Millwood

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Tully’s Dylan Crema has added a hometown honour to his growing medal collection, with Cassowary Coast Regional Council recognising the two-time Adaptive CrossFit world champion for his remarkable international success.

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Mayor Teresa Millwood presented Dylan with a special Council award this week, following his successful defence of his world title in San Jose, California, in July.

It was the latest milestone in an extraordinary rise for the Tully athlete, who has competed at three consecutive world championships, finishing sixth at his first in Dallas, Texas, before winning in Las Vegas and successfully defending his title in San Jose.

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This year’s event brought together more than 325 adaptive athletes from 34 nations, competing across multiple divisions over a demanding three-day program.

Born with Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome (VCFS), Dylan discovered CrossFit after taking up exercise during COVID. His support worker and CrossFit trainer Tracee Tozer helped turn that early interest into consistent training and, ultimately, world titles.

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“I did some research and realised that there was an adaptive comp,” Tracee said.

“Dylan was open to having a go, and then he put in the hard yards, and we could see that he was really good at it.”

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Adaptive CrossFit enables athletes with disabilities to compete in classifications appropriate to their abilities, tackling workouts incorporating strength, endurance, gymnastics and weightlifting.

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Dylan has reached the top of his sport without the resources of a major training centre. Much of the hard work happens in Tracee’s backyard gym in Tully, with Dylan competing independently rather than representing a CrossFit gym.

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Dylan’s mum Maria said the sport had also transformed her naturally shy son’s confidence and introduced him to a new community of friends.

“I don’t think that would have happened if he hadn’t found CrossFit,” she said.

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Mayor Millwood praised Dylan’s hard work, dedication and determination, telling him his community was proud of his achievements.

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For Dylan, the formula behind becoming a two-time world champion remains refreshingly simple. His advice to others? “Have fun, get fit and feel good.” And to Tracee, Matt, Andy, his family and everyone who has helped him along the way: “Just a big thank you.”

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