Powerlifting to glory
Not many people would want to mess with a powerlifting champion who also happens to be an avid kickboxer.
St Stithians Girls College happens to have a pupil by the name of Megan Leighton who fits that profile. She was recently crowned sub-junior 57kg powerlifting and benchpress champion at the South African Powerlifting Championships held at the school.
On the way to the top, she set a national record in that category by pulling off nine consecutively successful lifts, while also claiming a silver medal for the junior 57kg powerlifting and benchpress, and a bronze for the senior 57kg powerlifting and benchpress.
This is a turnaround of note seeing that she has been a dedicated kickboxer since 2010.
“It was my trainer who took me to the boys college’s High Performance Centre in March last year because she thought I would enjoy powerlifting.
“Honestly, I did not know much about it when I arrived there,” said the 17-year-old Bryanston resident.
Her feats booked her a ticket to represent the country at the International Powerlifting Federation Men’s and Women’s Classic Powerlifting World Cup in Suzdal, Russia in June.
Regardless of her achievements, Leighton said she did not intend to become a professional powerlifter in the future, but wanted to continue training.
“I hope to do a Bachelor of Arts degree at university, while coming back to Saints for training,” she added.
Leighton said powerlifters thrived on continual improvement of the quality and weight of lifts, requiring dedication and hard training.
“Furthermore, powerlifting pits you against people of all ages, male and female,” she said.
“However, there is a minimum required age of 14 for one to be allowed to compete. Powerlifters must be trained by good coaches because they prepare you well and teach you the correct technique.
“I would not have been as successful at competitions without my coach, Rodney Anthony.”
Leighton joked that she was pleased to not have had any career ‘lowlights’ thus far.
