WATCH: Joburg South’s young powerlifter smashes records
Johannesburg South’s rising powerlifting star, Lizette Bester, recently took first place in her division at the 2023 Arnold Classic Africa in Roodepoort.
During the recent 2023 Arnold Classic Africa, Lizette Bester broke a world record for deadlift and smashed a South African record for bench press in powerlifting.
After participating in many powerlifting competitions, 17-year-old Bester qualified to compete at the Arnold Classic Africa, where she took first place in her division.
The athlete from Robertsham, who competes in the teen division and is part of Pit Bull Gym, started competing in powerlifting aged just nine.
She said her recent accomplishment would pave the way for many other opportunities and that she aspired to compete in the World Championships with her father.
“I want to grow in the sport and my titles as a powerlifter. This was my biggest achievement because these championships happen every five years, and it was my first time participating in them. I did very well,” explained Bester.
The Grade 10 learner from Hoërskool Dinamika thanked her coach and father, Kobus Bester of Pit Bull Gym, for preparing her well ahead of the championships.
Kobus congratulated his daughter and the other powerlifters from his gym who participated in the championships.
“I’m honoured for this great accomplishment by our athletes. In the whole gym, we have 37 athletes who lift to grow in their various sporting codes, while some do bodybuilding. We’re like a family, and we always encourage our athletes to do well and set goals for themselves,” he explained.
