Will Swart fine-tunes preparations for SA title defence and LA 2028 push



Swart is among several lifters heading to the Western Cape looking to improve their totals and rankings as the qualification pathway towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games begins to take shape.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Swart outlined his ambitions for the competition and the adjustments he has made in preparation for the challenge of defending his crown.

"I've had to come down 5 kg's for this new bodyweight category so the goal is to get a new good total at that weight, and then the goal is to win SA Champs again. Another target is the 334 kg total, if I can achieve that it will give me the number one ranking in South Africa."

Swart admits getting to the Olympic Games this time around will be a mountain to climb given the stringent criteria. 

"It doesn't count towards qualification, but it'll be good to use this first competition to get used to this new bodyweight, and to win SA's is always helpful for selection. There are five qualifying competitions you have to do over the next year and a half so you need to be consistent. I don't think it's been more difficult to qualify for the olympics in weightlifting than it is right now." 

The Commonwealth Games debutant believes his personal growth shows signs he can improve and work towards meeting the standards.

The route to the Olympic Games also means Swart has to participate in several competitions in the build-up to the global event.

He says funding will also be a challenge...