DANE NAUDE
Dane Naude, co-founder and head coach at CrossFit Elevate, has been a prominent figure in the CrossFit community since his teenage years. Representing Zimbabwe, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess and dedication to the sport.
He Currently holds the Title for the 6th fittest male in the aFRICA/UAE/GULF region.
Dane’s CrossFit journey began in the teenage divisions, where he quickly made a name for himself. In 2018, he ranked 133rd worldwide in the Boys (14-15) category, securing the top spot in Zimbabwe. His upward trajectory continued as he transitioned to the men’s division, achieving significant milestones each year. Notably, in 2024, Dane secured the 23rd position at the Africa Semifinal, further establishing his reputation as a formidable competitor.
Beyond his personal achievements, Dane’s passion for CrossFit extends to coaching and community building. His commitment to fostering a supportive and challenging environment for athletes of all levels is evident in his coaching philosophy. Dane’s expertise and firsthand experience in high-level competitions provide invaluable insights to those he trains, inspiring them to reach their full potential.
As co-founder of CrossFit Elevate, Dane combines his competitive spirit with a dedication to inclusivity and personal growth. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in creating a space where individuals can pursue their fitness goals, build resilience, and become part of a thriving community.
Dane Naude’s journey from a young CrossFit enthusiast to a respected athlete and coach exemplifies his unwavering dedication to the sport and his commitment to elevating others along the way.
Simon Jones is a dedicated and experienced coach at CrossFit Elevate, known for his technical expertise and passion for helping athletes achieve their personal best. Growing up in Dubai and attending The English College, Simon’s connection to the local community runs deep, and his journey into fitness is a testament to his commitment to self-improvement and education.
Simon has honed his skills through years of practical experience and formal training. As a member of the prestigious CrossFit Seminar Staff, he has worked alongside some of the best in the field, delivering foundational and advanced CrossFit coaching certifications. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of CrossFit’s methodology, movement standards, and safety protocols, all of which Simon brings to his coaching at Elevate. His education in sports and fitness has provided him with a solid grounding in biomechanics, programming, and athlete development, enabling him to coach individuals across all skill levels.
At CrossFit Elevate, Simon’s coaching philosophy is centered on precision, progression, and community. Whether helping beginners master the basics or guiding advanced athletes through complex movements, Simon’s attention to detail and motivational approach empower members to exceed their expectations. His role as a coach goes beyond physical training—he inspires athletes to build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to health.
SIMON JONES
martha cook
Martha Cook is a highly respected coach at CrossFit Elevate, known for her precision-focused coaching style, calm leadership, and deep experience in the CrossFit space — both as an athlete and coach.
Her career includes multiple CrossFit Games appearances as part of a team, competing at the highest level of the sport and bringing invaluable insight from the competition floor into every class she leads. This elite background gives her a unique ability to bridge performance standards with practical coaching — whether you’re chasing your first pull-up or refining competition lifts.
With over 5 years of coaching experience across various gyms and training environments, Martha has worked with athletes at every stage of their journey. She currently leads EmpowHER, Elevate’s women’s strength and conditioning program, and plays a key role in athlete development across the broader coaching team.
Her sessions are known for clear cues, well-structured progressions, and creating a space where athletes feel supported, seen, and challenged to grow.
Career Highlights:
• CrossFit Games Team Athlete – Represented at the highest level of global competition
• 5+ years coaching experience in CrossFit and functional fitness
• Program Lead for EmpowHER (2024)
• Head Coach – Female-Only Throwdown Event at Elevate
• Ongoing development in strength programming and athlete progression
Martha’s competitive pedigree, coaching expertise, and athlete-first mindset make her an invaluable part of the Elevate team.
SIOBHAN JOHNSON
Siobhan is the newest coach at CrossFit Elevate. Known for her positive energy and welcoming nature, she has a natural ability to create a space where athletes feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be themselves.
With a background in a wide range of sports — from rugby and cricket to dance and rounders — movement has always been a big part of Siobhan’s life. While competitive sport never quite felt like home, those early experiences shaped her appreciation for effort, teamwork, and the courage it takes to step outside your comfort zone.
She discovered the gym during Covid and fully committed once training became accessible again. While preparing for a bodybuilding-style photoshoot, she was introduced to CrossFit — a style of training that was equal parts fun and frustrating. Progress didn’t always come easily, but that challenge was exactly what drew her in. Learning new skills required patience, consistency, and dedication, and the process itself is what made CrossFit so rewarding.
After qualifying as a CrossFit Coach in 2023, Siobhan began coaching alongside her career in education, balancing both roles before making the transition into coaching full-time two years later. Her journey has given her a unique understanding of the different reasons people walk through the doors of a gym — from those who are completely new to training, to those who use CrossFit as their escape, to those simply looking to improve their quality of life physically, mentally, socially, or all three.
As a coach, Siobhan’s focus is on support, inclusion, and creating an environment where athletes feel encouraged to succeed and comfortable enough to fail without pressure or judgment. She brings kindness, positive energy, and a smile (most of the time), while knowing exactly when to offer a gentle push or celebrate a win — no matter how small.
Siobhan’s journey has always been about enjoying the process rather than focusing solely on the podium at the end.
At Elevate, her goal is to make everyone feel welcome and help people fall in love with CrossFit.
Siobhan is where she is today because of the people who believed in her, sometimes before she believed in herself.
Now, she hopes to pay that forward by being the person who believes in you.