An Abu Dhabi teenager admits he was taken by surprise after finishing second in the annual Reebok Cross Fit Games in the US earlier this month.

British-born Amir Fahmy, 15, became the only representative from the UAE to book his ticket to Madison, Wisconsin in the US for the finals after overcoming two intense regional qualifying rounds.

He was duly rewarded for his efforts by claiming silver in the Teen Boys (14-15) category, by winning 802 points, 68 adrift of champion Dallin Pepper.

Pitting himself against some of his peers to become the ‘Fittest teenager on Earth’, Fahmy and the other 19 finalists tackled 10 different challenges that tested their strength, agility and stamina over four gruesome days.

Swimming, weightlifting and rope climbing were just some of the obstacles Fahmy faced and he didn’t disappoint, achieving a top-five finish in seven out of the 10 events, including first position in the sprint and assault course.

“To be honest, to have finished second did surprise me a bit and it was only after the third day when I was placed in second position when it really hit that there was a strong possibility of finishing in the places,” said the Al Yasmina School pupil, who attended a month-long training camp in the UK and US prior to the competition.

“Before the competition began, I was just hoping to beat my score that I got in the Open qualifiers which was 14th best.”

He added: “To compete in the Reebok Cross Fit Games, and that too on the world stage, is something else. All the adrenaline and people cheering for you, gives you more motivation and makes you want to train 10 times harder so that you can perform better than an athlete.”

Since aged 10, Fahmy took an interest and now trains at CrossFit Yas-Vogue Fitness twice a day before and after school.

“I’ve always wanted to be active and not sit around playing video games or do the usual things that teenagers would do,” he said.

“After three to four years of training, I wanted to enter to see how I could do against the other best people around the world.”

Now having proved himself in the teens, he now has ambitions of replicating his success.

“I want to be a much fitter all-round athlete and be much better in running,” he said.

“My aim for the future now is to make the Cross Fit Games in the adults category.”