Big dreams for powerlifter
"Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to be stronger, faster and fitter. Strength is my passion."
Powerlifting and crossfit coach Chantelle du Toit from Sebenza has been selected to represent South Africa in the powerlifting world championships which will take place in America in November this year.
“I have always wanted to represent South Africa at an international event. I am glad it is for something to do with strength,” said Du Toit.
Du Toit was selected to take part in the World Powerlifting Championships after she won the South African Equipped Powerlifting Championships held in July.
Equipped powerlifting differs from raw powerlifting as participants wear a squat suit, knee wraps, a bench shirt and a deadlift suit.
“Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to be stronger, faster and fitter. Strength is my passion,” said Du Toit.
For Du Toit, getting involved in powerlifting seemed like a natural step in her life as she had participated in bodybuilding and fitness for a number of years before deciding to try powerlifting.
Her passion and drive to be stronger could be seen when she broke the SA Ladies Equipped Bench Press record after lifting 95.5 kg in July and when she lifted a new personal best of 100kg at the Gauteng Bench Championships.
“Beating the championship record and getting a new personal best is great. I have proven to myself that I can do so much more than I thought I could,” said Du Toit.
She said she is excited to see what she can achieve under the pressure of an international competition.
Although Du Toit hopes to do well at the the world championships, she said her toughest competition is going to be the American participants.
She thinks that because the event is being held in America it might give them a home field advantage.
Du Toit wants to do well at the world championships as it is a qualifying event for the World Games which will be held in Poland next year.
“If I do make it to the World Games I would like to achieve a podium position,” she said.
“I think it will be the ultimate experience to stand on the podium with the South African flag on my back and the anthem playing,” said Du Toit.
Du Toit said when she gets back to SA after her powerlifting competitions she will continue training for the next world championships which will take place in four years’ time.
“I would also like to grow equipped powerlifting in South Africa and maybe even take my team to the world championships,” said Du Toit.
