June Members of the Month 2026

InnerFight: Michael McKinney

Michael's commitment to his fitness has led to improvements in all areas of his life. From zero training to regular, consistent training and even competing in fitness on the weekends, including the IF Total in June, shows that when you continue to show up no matter how hard things are, it's worth it in the end! Well done, Michael, and we look forward to seeing you continue to dominate not only the competition floor but also life!

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Youth: Liam Alfonso Cortejo

Congratulations to our Youth Member of the Month, Liam. Since joining he has shown amazing dedication working hard in every session, growing noticeably stronger and more confident. Liam has even achieved his first two strict pull-ups, an awesome milestone that reflects his commitment and progress. Keep it up, Liam!

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Endurance: Muzoon Matar

Muzoon has packed more into one month than most manage in a year, two cycling trips, two Stelvio ascents in a single day, back-to-back Sella Ronda rides, her first time driving in Europe, and her first time riding solo on open roads. The numbers back it up too, with some of her best power data to date and legs that are categorically not the same legs she started the month with. From performance to pure enjoyment, Muzoon has absolutely nailed it, and she's only getting started.

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LRC: Natalja Kissina

Natalja started June with a HM PB in Helsinki, coming in at 1:57. This was an incredible effort, especially given the return to run protocol she’s been following after a period of shin splints. She then ended the month with another HM, this time more locally in the World Trade Centre in Dubai.

Natalja is a pleasure to coach and a joy to be around, thanks for being part of the team!

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Endurance - New Zealand: Robyn O’Brien

Congratulations to Robyn O’Brien for being our Member of the Month for June 🔥

Robyn has been quietly building something her trail strength this year. After an incredibly quick performance at Ring of Fire with her teammates, she set her sights on UTA 50k, approaching the race with a mix of ambition and humble pie. She expected to finish in approximately 7.5 hours.

But Robyn absolutely blew that prediction out of the water, crossing the line in 6.5 hoursand finishing 11th in her age group. That’s the reward for months (and years) of consistent training, trusting the process, and backing yourself when it matters most.

What has been equally impressive to witness this year is Robyn’s growth away from race results. Over the past year, she’s made some huge strides in backing herself, both in her training and in her career. She’s become more confident in her decisions, more trusting of her abilities, and more willing to step into opportunities that once may have felt outside her comfort zone.

As if that wasn’t enough, Robyn was also the only InnerFight Endurance NZ athlete to complete the full 30km Into the Light challenge this June. While most people were heading home or tapping out early, she showed up early and got it done.

Robyn has been training with us for 2 years now. She embodies what it means to be an InnerFight Endurance athlete: humble, hardworking, and always willing to lean into the challenge. She never seeks the spotlight, but her actions consistently speak volumes.

Robyn, your commitment, grit, and growing self belief are inspiring to watch. I’m like a proud mum, incredibly proud of the athlete and person you’re becoming, and we can’t wait to see where that confidence takes you in your future adventures 🖤