From Hyrox Podiums to Deadly Dozen: A Conversation with James & Bernice Kelly

Fitness Racing Podcast
Written By Jason Curtis

In this episode of The Deadly Dozen Podcast, Jason sits down with James Kelly — one of the world’s most accomplished hybrid and Hyrox athletes — and his sister Bernice Kelly, Director of Deadly Dozen Australia.

James and Bernice share the story behind their rapid rise in the world of fitness racing, from race wins and records in Brisbane to launching and expanding Deadly Dozen events across Australia. They discuss what it takes to compete at the highest level, how training methodologies differ between Hyrox and Deadly Dozen, and why hybrid racing is one of the fastest-growing sports globally.

Key topics covered:

  • James Kelly’s progression into elite hybrid racing

  • The launch and growth strategy of Deadly Dozen Australia

  • Hyrox vs. Deadly Dozen: event structure, pacing, and athlete demands

  • Training philosophy and strength programming for peak performance

  • Predictions for the Deadly Dozen World Championships in London

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or fitness racing fan, this episode offers valuable insights into competition mindset, training structure, and the future of the sport.

Jason Curtis

Jason Curtis is the founder and CEO of the Deadly Dozen, one of the fastest-growing fitness races in the world, expanding to over 20 countries within just 18 months of launch. Building on this explosive growth, Jason opened the Deadly Dozen Institute of Fitness Racing, a pioneering global hub for training, education, research, and innovation designed to shape the future of the sport. The Institute develops world-class training systems, certifies coaches, and drives the evolution of fitness racing to build the next generation of hybrid athletes.

A former British Army Physical Training Instructor, bestselling author of more than twenty books, and one of the UK’s leading strength and conditioning coaches, Jason owned and operated a thriving strength & conditioning gym for over a decade, coaching hundreds of athletes every week. He is also the founder of the SCC Academy, which has educated and certified over 40,000 fitness professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.

Through the Deadly Dozen, the Institute of Fitness Racing, the SCC Academy, and his weekly Podcast, Jason’s mission is to make fitness racing the most accessible, physically rewarding, and transformative sport on the planet; uniting communities, redefining competition, and empowering millions to train, race, and embrace effort—a philosophy he calls Effortism.

Follow Jason on Instagram: @Jason.Curtis.Official

https://www.jasoncurtis.com
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