A number of records tumbled at the first provincial 100% Raw Powerlifting competition of the year, held recently at West Workout Gym in Somerset West, but top honours went to two local lifters.
Sean Brokenshire of Somerset West, lifting in the 56kg class senior division, was the overall men’s winner for the day, with a 150kg squat, 92.5kg benchpress and 192.5kg deadlift, for a total of 435kg, setting new South African records in squat and benchpress.
Dalene Kriedemann, also of Somerset West, lifting in her second competition, took the overall women’s title, in the 67.5kg class senior division.
Her 80kg squat, 45kg benchpress and 125kg deadlift, totalled 250kg, and she set new South African records for squat and deadlift in her weight and class division.
Bolander caught up with the two overall winners on Monday evening, during a training session at the gym.
“It feels really good to be back on the platform, lifting at this level,” Sean said, while taking a break from training.”
“I had knee surgery at the beginning of 2013, and that kept me out of lifting for three years.
“It’s taken a long time for me to get back to where I was, and this is just the beginning. I’m back with a vengeance,” he said.
Dalene, reflecting on her success, said: “I’ve been through a huge transformation since 2014, dropping from 104kg to 60kg, and now breaking powerlifting records.
“No words can explain what it feels like to receive the overall women’s trophy, and knowing that I have a talent about which I am passionate, is an added blessing.”
Dalene, a single mom, has been powerlifting for less than a year, and she ascribes her success to the support she gets.
“I have a coach, Howard Cladingbowl, who supports me and motivates me every step of the way. My friends and family, especially my boys Joshua and Matthew, stand by me all the time. I do what I do to show my boys that no matter what, you can always succeed.”
Seventeen year-old Parel Vallei High School pupil Callan Antonie, lifting in his first competition, set new national records in the 56kg class of the sub-junior division, with a 95kg squat, 70kg benchpress, and 150kg deadlift, while Jermain Collins set all new national records in his division, 82.5kg seniors, with a 180kg squat, 125kg benchpress and 250kg deadlift.
Howard Cladingbowl, owner of West Workout Gym, which hosted the event, and national chairperson of the 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation, had this to say: “Raw powerlifting, using no supportive equipment other than permitted wrist wraps and a waist belt, is on the up-and-up.
“Membership of the federation continues to grow, and all lifters undergo a compulsory urinalysis before the competition commences.The sport is drug-free, and we intend keeping that way.
“It is also heartening to see so many young lifters coming into the sport,” he said.
The 2017 100% Raw Powerlifting national championships will be hosted at West Workout Gym in August.
Norman McFarlane is a member of the West Workout Gym in Somerset West.
