Bloemfontein athletes broke a world, and South African, record during the Arnold Classic World Powerlifting Congress (WPC) Championships held from 19 to 21 May in Roodepoort.
Mariaan Conly, who took part in the bench press open category, lifted 103 kg and set a world record at the Amateur World Powerlifting Congress (AWPC SA).
Tiaan Blom (18) of the Fichardtpark High School, broke four South African records in the Teen-3 category in the U125 kg weight division. He pushed 182,5 kg in squats, 115 kg in bench press, and 225 kg in deadlift, for a total of 522,5 kg lifted.
Lana Fourie (17), also of Fichardtpark, came first in the Teen-2 category in the U67,5 kg weight division. She pushed 72,5 kg in squats, 45 kg in bench press, and 100 kg in deadlifts, giving her a total of 217,5 kg.
Chandra Greyling participated in the junior category’s U75 kg weight division, and placed first. She managed 135 kg in squats, 52,5 kg in bench press, and 150 kg in deadlift. Her total was 337,5 kg.
Bernice van der Westhuizen, a coach to the group, came first in the open category. She managed 145 kg in squats, 82,5 kg in bench press, and a 175 kg deadlift. Her total was 402,5 kg.
Zane Wilson, in the men’s open category and U110 kg weight division, pushed 205 kg in squats, 112,5 kg in bench press, and 225 kg in deadlifts. He came eighth.
Rochelle van der Merwe competed in the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Bench Press Championship on Monday, 21 May, at Lost City and earned a silver medal in the sub-junior category. She lifted 103 kg in the U65 kg weight division.
They all train at The Training Edge health club in Fichardtpark where Guy Conry, another coach, trains athletes for these competitions.
