Richmond's Mabior Chol training with Warrnambool's Rudy Ryan Nick Ansell
Warrnambool Standard
November 12, 2019MABIOR Chol is trusting a Warrnambool gym as his bid to build cardiovascular fitness ramps up.
The Richmond big man, entering his fourth AFL pre-season, has enlisted the help of Kelp Street trainer Rudy Ryan.
Chol has combined boxing with his Richmond-approved off-season program and is reaping the rewards.
The 22-year-old said fitness had been his Achilles heel and was determined to build endurance.
"My fitness has been issue the past couple of years, it hasn't been great. It's one of the things I wanted to improve," Chol told The Standard.
"The first session with (Rudy) was probably the toughest one. I was like 'jeez, what am I in for?'.
"My fitness is improving every day and I'll hopefully be able to go back in good nick and impress my coaches."
Chol said manager Ralph Carr - who also has Tigers superstar Dustin Martin on his books - helped set up the Warrnambool camp.
"My manager has helped me a lot with it. He put me in touch with the perfect man for it, Rudy, who has been great. I couldn't be happier with how it's going," he said.
"(Warrnambool) is a small country town and I kind of feel like I'm becoming a local now."
The South Sudan-born talent said playing senior football was his sole focus leading into 2020.
"I was unlucky to miss out in a few games because of my fitness and Dimma (Richmond coach Damien Hardwick) really wants me to improve that," Chol said.
"During my exit meeting that was the biggest talking point.
"We have a healthy list and I have to put my best foot forward."
Richmond's Mabior Chol has been training at Rudy's Boxing in Warrnambool as part of his pre-season training. Picture: Mark Wittehttps://www.standard.net.au/story/6488188/afl-star-building-fitness-at-bool-gym/
