A legal showdown has erupted between two renowned fitness influencers in Australia, with potentially millions of dollars at stake.

Kayla Itsines, the South Australian fitness mogul behind the Bikini Body Training Company, has initiated legal proceedings against Cass Olholm, a rising crossfit trainer from Queensland.

The aim is to prevent Cass from launching her new fitness venture, “Train With Cass,” scheduled for release on the Apple App store on October 12, according to the ABC.

Kayla Itsines, represented by Nicholas Swan at the South Australian Supreme Court, alleges that Cass Olholm, who previously worked as a contractor for Itsines before departing in February this year, has violated a non-compete agreement by planning her new business. Swan argued that the launch of the competing brand violates a 12-month restraint agreement that the two fitness influencers, who were once close collaborators, had established.

Swan is seeking a court injunction to delay the Train With Cass launch until March 1, 2024, marking 12 months from Cass’s departure from Itsines’ enterprise.

On the other hand, Cass Olholm, represented by Thomas McFarlane, contends that the restraint period had already expired after six months.

McFarlane stressed that the restraint primarily restricts healthy competition and does not involve any allegations of misuse or access to confidential information, client lists, or data.

The Bikini Body Training Company gained immense popularity through its Sweat fitness program, downloaded over 5 million times on Google Play.

In 2021, Kayla Itsines sold Sweat to the US.-based company IFit for a reported $400 million.

Cass Olholm became part of the Sweat team in 2020 and frequently appeared in Itsines’ Facebook videos.

The Train With Cass program, if it proceeds as planned, will be available for $21.99 per month or $139.99 annually.

During the legal proceedings, it was revealed that Cass had invested approximately $580,000 in preparing her new business.

Judge Dart suggested that both parties consider mediation to avoid significant legal expenses.

He pointed out that if the app launch were delayed by about 22 weeks or until March 1, there would be no need for an injunction. The judge also proposed the possibility of a compromise, involving a nine-month restraint agreement.

The case was adjourned to October 10, allowing both sides to present their arguments fully.