Local weightlifter off to Morocco

CrossFit weightlifter Liam Chandler will be representing the junior SA team in the African Junior Championships Competition.

Competing in the U109kg category, the Grade 12 Hoërskool Dinamika learner is set to leave for Morocco on September 25.

The 18-year-old from Kibler Park recently trialled in the snatch, clean and jerk and was given three attempts in each set before qualifying for the prestigious competition.

Liam only began the sport at the end of 2020 with Movement Crew, a CrossFit gym in Brackenhurst.

“I was inspired by my father and coach who got me into the sport. They convinced me to do my first competition and I did one that same year. I really enjoyed it and I kept on training. I took part in a number of competitions throughout the years. I competed in the Gauteng and SA championships and if I do well in Morocco, I’ll be able to compete in the world championships,” he said.

His coach, Matthew Hurn, said weightlifting in the country has seen quite a bumpy ride and is not really a popular sport.

According to Matthew, it started getting popular since CrossFit games, however, it has been a rough ride to get to where they are.

“We also haven’t really put out a good representation on the platform overseas. This is our chance to start developing the youth to get to that level, and these guys are putting out some big numbers. This allows us to get to the point where we’re able to compete overseas,” he explained.

Liam’s proud father, Gavin Chandler, said his son decided to get into the sport since he couldn’t play rugby anymore because of his commitments at the time.

“He has played rugby all his life from primary to high school and he also got his colours in rugby. He then started Olympic weightlifting and he now has nine Gauteng records in youth and junior. He is now chasing SA records. He is the heaviest lifting junior in Gauteng and he keeps excelling,” he said.