Pirates weightlifter Nathan Morris aims for the Olympic Games

The only thing stronger than Nathan Morris’ muscles, is his attitude.

The Northcliff resident, who trains at Pirates Sports Club in Greenside, is the Gauteng weightlifting champion for two years running in the 105kg+ super middleweight division.

This despite him not even having 24 months of experience in the sport under his belt, and such is his determination that he aims to represent South Africa at the Durban 2022 Commonwealth Games and after that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Morris achieved provincial colours by lifting a total 276kg at the Gauteng Weightlifting Championships in July.

Then, on 4 November, Morris finished fourth at the South African Weightlifting Championships, a disappointment for him, he feels, as he was only able to lift three of his six attempts.

“I have two pages of lessons learnt from nationals,” he said. “You can always learn from your mistakes. But I have no doubt I will come back and win the Arnold Classic next year.”

Morris finished second at the Arnold Classic this year, and in addition to winning the Gauteng Championships, he also won The Bar and The 646 competitions in Joburg.

“There is nothing I don’t like about weightlifting. I cannot describe what it is like stepping onto a platform in front of 100, 300 or 1 000 people, and to just throw down.”

He added that in the weightlifting world, your competitors were the ones who encouraged you on the sidelines and consoled you when you didn’t do your best.

His coach, Scott Schreuder, said Morris is able to accomplish his goals of representing South Africa abroad.

“He puts in the time and does what he needs to do to compete well,” Schreuder added. “He is ambitious and has the strength and work ethic to go this distance.”

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