Strongman overcomes two heart attacks to win Arnold Classic
Parkrand strongman JP Steyn powered to the Arnold Classic Africa title in the u-90kg category in his first appearance in the showpiece.
The three-day annual fitness fest, named after international athlete, philanthropist and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, took place in Sandton early last month.
The 24-year-old Steyn bled, sweated and cried on his way to the title, where he competed in a total of six events. On the first day of competition, he competed in a 300kg deadlift contest, a 100kg axle press and 350kg/25m yoke walk.
After his rest day, which was the second day of the muscle jamboree, the EG Jansen graduate did a 280kg frame walk, a 100kg log lift and a 125kg atlas stone lift.
The atlas stone finale was a tie-breaker, with Steyn’s five repetitions over last year’s winner’s three, crowning him champion.
Steyn could easily not have achieved this great feat: he suffered two heart attacks, with the first one in February and the second in April.
He decided to follow his dream against all odds and he now stands as the strongest u-90kg man in the country.
Steyn said: “It was overwhelming; it’s something that I worked very hard towards. God gave me a second chance after my heart attacks to show the world my talent.
“When Gerhard van Staden handed me my trophy, he almost reduced me to tears when he said, ‘Two heart attacks and you still conquered them all.’”
Steyn will now shift his attention to Kukkola, Finland, where he was subsequently invited to compete at the world championships in September.
He is trained by Willie White at Planet Vision Fitness, in Springs, as well as strongman power couple Andre and Vallerie Sweeney.
Steyn also trains at Jenny’s Gym.
With athletes funding from their own pockets, Steyn is appealing to the public to help make his trip to Finland possible, with R40 000 being the target.
For more information, contact him on 061 626 7874 and/ or visit his Facebook page: JP Steyn and JP Steyn Strongman Under 90 kg. – @SabeloBoksburg
