Kreson Pillay holds an atlas stone over his shoulder.
Being a strongman provides Kreson Pillay with an exciting opportunity to challenge himself.
The Randpark Ridge resident, who has been participating in various competitions since 2010, said,
“This sport challenges you both physically and mentally. It requires a high level of determination and commitment which I’ve always used for everything in my life.”
Pillay’s coach and Lion Heart Athletics owner Jean Roux watches as Kreson Pillay lifts weight during his training in Laser Park.
Pillay trains at Lionheart Athletics, a specialised strength and conditioning gym in Laser Park, owned by his coach Jean Roux.
Pillay completed the farmer’s walk in 12.29 seconds setting a new world record while lifting 150kg in the Strongman Champions League qualifier at the Rand Show in Nasrec.
He has also excelled in other competitions. This includes winning Africa’s Strongest Man in 2015 in the under 105kg category. He also took the seventh place in the Strongman Champions League qualifier in Finland in 2013 and the fourth place in 2016 in the Arnold Classic Australia in Melbourne.
He said the strongman fraternity was a very small community which resembles a brotherhood without rivalry.
“Your competitors gradually become your friends,” he said.
Pillay enjoys setting new records and lifting heavier equipment than before, and it has kept him going and loving the sport. “It is a small satisfaction which keeps us going,” he said.
Kreson Pillay and Jean Roux, Lion Heart Athletics gym owner, with some of the trophies won by Pillay.
For Pillay, knowing that he is stronger than the average man is a great feeling. He added that what he has achieved and still wants to achieve, excites him.
Pillay has been invited by Strongman Champions League to compete in India against Asia’s strongest men in August. He will then compete in this year’s Strongman Champions League (SCL) in Finland in September.
Pillay needs funds to help with his trips to India and Finland. He said residents who were interested in this sport could contact his coach or their Facebook page as they were looking forward to expanding Strongman in the Johannesburg North West area.
