“Blood makes you related, loyalty makes you family”, that is the motto Vince Matthew Cosmo keeps close to his heart.
Cosmo runs a Powerlifting gym called Monster Factory Gym. Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift.It involves lifting weights in three attempts.
The sport is scarce in South Africa but there are a few clubs in the country that are trying to increase its visibility. Cosmo, a competitive coach, describes the sport as family friendly because there is no age limit when it comes to who can participate.
“From youngsters to grannies, all can join the sport because it’s not about muscles, but being strong. There is a difference. The sport is very sociable because everyone want to improve themselves and this is a great way to work on self-esteem because you do things that you thought were impossible,” he said.
Cosmo who is one of the national coaches, started the gym 27 years ago when he first competed in the sport and it currently has 22 members. It also boasts four national proteas in Andre Kloppers, Stacey Bryant, Vince Matthew Cosmo and Tammy Goosen.
“Not everyone can be a rugby or cricket player and not everyone wins but in this sport, I can teach a guy how to be a winner. This sport is not about size but about how strong you are. And the important thing is that this sport is not seasonal,” said Cosmo.
New members are started off with technique training then gradually worked into weights.
“People start off intimidated but they come to enjoy the sport because its refreshing and we all share in the excitement when a member beats their personal bests which creates a festive atmosphere in the club,” said Cosmo
Stacey Bryant, one of the rising stars in the sport started in November 2013 but by June the following year she was already awarded her national protea colours.
“The reason I joined the sport was to get stronger because a normal gym was not giving me what I want. I wanted more so I decided to challenge myself in this sport and show other women that they can do it too” said Bryant.
Last year, Bryant placed sixth in the Classic World Women’s Championships held in Potchefstroom.
Cosmo also stressed that the sport is a drug-free sport so parents should not be concerned about their children who decide to join the sport.
“In South Africa there is not much money in the sport and if you are found doping or using steroids, a R50 000 fine and a four year ban will be issued,” he said.
The club is also planning a high school league to increase the sports awareness in the community.
