Rebel Team

Devon Marais

Devon’s role at REBEL Elite Fitness is the culmination of a decade’s worth of diverse business experiences and a personal passion for sports and fitness. Having been involved in various sectors, including, mining of strategic metals, technology and renewables, he has developed a keen sense of operational excellence and strategic planning. His journey into the fitness industry began with a personal commitment to fitness, which evolved into a professional endeavour as he identified significant needs within the market for high-quality fitness equipment and services in the UAE.  This position allows him to blend his business skills with his enthusiasm for fitness, fostering innovation and excellence in an industry focused on enhancing physical well-being.

Devon’s passion for fitness runs deep, influenced by a family of Springbok athletes who represented South Africa on the world stage. With a Springbok gymnast as a father and figure skaters as a mother and sister, Devon’s natural love for sports and fitness is a key part of his identity. For him, fitness is more than just a hobby; it is a core part of his identity, shaped by the values of discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence that have been instilled in him since childhood.

Sports

CrossFit and Football.

Danielle Cooke

I have been passionate about fitness for as long as I can remember. Starting as a ballet dancer at the tender age of 4, I trained for 16 years and joined the South African Ballet Theatre after matriculating. Throughout my school years, I immersed myself in a wide variety of sports—netball, swimming, hockey, athletics—and in more recent years, I’ve explored Action Netball, Yoga, CrossFit, and Hyrox.

Although I am a Professional Architect with a Master’s degree in Architecture, fitness remains a central part of my life. I love CrossFit and the strong sense of community that comes with it. Over the years, I’ve participated in numerous races, from trail runs and marathons to Hyrox competitions, completing two races as part of a Doubles Female team. I’m also deeply interested in fitness and nutrition, always eager to learn more about health and the evolving approach to wellness.

My introduction to the CrossFit world in my late teens when my dad opened one of the first CrossFit affiliates in South Africa. His later venture, REBEL Elite Fitness SA, provided me with an extensive understanding of the fitness industry and the equipment that drives it. This foundation has made me highly familiar with CrossFit workouts, gear, and the overall fitness culture.