Mossel Bay nationals provide Shamel Seleka’s springboard to international stage

Seleka is among several lifters targeting the qualifying standards set by the International Weightlifting Federation as they begin their campaigns towards major international competitions and, ultimately, the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Seleka admitted she is eager to make her mark and ensure she does not fall behind as the competition for international places intensifies.

"The total I would like to achieve at SA Champs is 175 kg or more because I'm aiming to hit an 81 kilo in the snatch, and a 102 total in the clean and jerk, and I'm confident that I can definitely finish ion the podium this year."

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Seleka added that being able to secure a spot at the Mossel Bay event was a no-brainer. 

The maiden Olympic Games qualification event will be in Qatar this December where elite weightlifters from around the world will gather to secure crucial ranking points and quota allocations. 

Seleka hopes to set the tone this weekend. 

She did not shy away from speaking out on challenges for SA weightlifters who are likely to face similar hurdles over the next few months of trying to get to LA.

"Currently the main obstacle is the lack of exposure to international competition, because you are only as good as the environment you train and compete in, so South African athletes lack sufficient international platform time. This is largely due to severe funding constraints. 

"Funding from the government is the main issue, but I don't think there is enough emphasis on the imperative for administrative bodies like the South African weightlifting federation to establish the necessary infrastructure to actually receive this funding. Without regular international exposure, it is impossible to accurately asses your progress in relation to the world's best."