Weightlifting champ Liam Chandler shines at nationals despite Injury

Dominant weightlifting champ Liam Chandler is leading in his divisions.

The Kibler Park champ recently took part in the South African Youth, Junior and Senior Nationals in Cape Town and competed in the +109kg category.

The Hoërskool Dinamika alumnus, who is part of Movement Crew, won gold medals in the junior and senior categories.

He also came second overall in the junior category during the nationals.

Liam said everything went well in the championships this year.

“I did a 133kg snatch, and a 155kg clean and jerk, which are both Gauteng records in the +109kg category. The competition didn’t go as expected as I have been battling a shoulder injury for the past few weeks but I’m pretty thrilled with my achievements,” he explained.

Getting better every day keeps the avid health enthusiast motivated and he continues to set his sights towards one day becoming the best in the world.

“I did CrossFit for a little while and then I got introduced to weightlifting by my coach. I fell in love with the sport and that, more than anything else, inspired me to become a champion in weightlifting,” Liam said.

His favourite lift is the snatch, because of its complex nature and the struggle of having to learn it.

“It’s a combination of having to use strength, technique and staying focused to push yourself. The squat is also one of my favourite lifts because you get to put some heavy weight on the bar and most people find it difficult to do,” he said.

Much preparation and commitment goes towards Liam’s feat. He trains at least five times a week for two hours.

Following his recent shoulder injury, he said injuries are quite hard to prevent but he advised athletes to “play it safe”.

“My advice for someone who is just getting started with lifting is for them to just enjoy it and not give up. And they shouldn’t put too much pressure on themselves,” Liam said.

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