What started out as a hobby has led Kloofendal’s Frikkie Page to be crowned South Africa’s strongest man under 105 kilograms.
The Strongman competition was held at the Durban Exhibition Centre earlier this month.
Page set a South African record of 150 kilograms in the log press and another record on the deadlift at 360 kilograms.
Athletes had to pull a 13 ton truck, lift atlas stones weighing 120, 150 and 170 kilograms, a car hold weighing 350 kilo’s, and a yoke walk of 40 meters carrying a 320 kilogram.
“I enjoy taking part in this kind of sport because it’s challenging and pushes all competitors to their limits,” said Page.
The 22-year-old Dischem pharmacy sports nutritionist got his start in strongman competitions in 2011, after being friends with fellow strongman competitors Gerhard van Staden and Etienne Smit.
He first competed in a Pretoria event where he placed fourth overall.
“These guys first got me into the competitions and I’ve been enjoying them ever since,” said Page.
Last year, he competed in the World’s Strongest Man under 105 kilograms and placed eighth overall, in the Southern Hemisphere Strongest Man last year, Page finished runner-up.
“In South Africa, the sport is small but it’s still growing. I have already traveled to Finland and Australia, all from a hobby so I’m happy with what I’m doing,” said Page. “I am still only 22-years, Page continued, “and usually athletes in this sport peak at around 35 years so I still have a lot of improving to do to compete against the best,” said Page.
