CT powerlifter riding high after setting new African record
Forty-two-year-old Nathan Michael-Steyn, from Parow, this week participated in the World Open Classic Powerlifting Championships in Chemnitz, Germany.
Nathan Michael-Steyn celebrates a successful lift at the World Open Classic Powerlifting Championships in Chemnitz, Germany. Picture: International Powerlifting Federation - IPF/Facebook
CAPE TOWN - A South African powerlifter is celebrating after setting a new African record.
Forty-two-year-old Nathan Michael-Steyn, from Parow, this week participated in the World Open Classic Powerlifting Championships in Chemnitz, Germany.
He broke the African squat record, which was 185 kilograms, after a squat of 195kg.
Then he broke his newly set record with a 200kg squat.
He said that since he only started the sport about 10 years ago, he hopes that he can inspire people to find their passion, regardless of their age.
"It’s been an honour for me to represent the country, to show the world what South Africans can do, especially the older South Africans. I feel like because I'm at the Open Championship, which is more geared towards younger athletes, I'm one of the older athletes in the group but it’s been an absolute honour."
He said that he was excited to participate in the next competition.
"Cape Town is actually hosting the World Masters Powerlifting Championship in October and this is going to set me up because I qualify for the Open Championship which is the one that I did on Monday, it's going to be home ground, so home ground advantage, so I’m looking forward to that."