Olympic Games criteria real test for weightlifters – Daniel Katzav

Katzav got a closer look at the country’s Olympic hopefuls over the weekend at the SA National Championships in Mossel Bay, where several athletes began their push towards the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

While the performances provided an encouraging starting point, Katzav acknowledged the long and demanding journey that lies ahead. 

"I do think that the Olympic qualification criteria is strict, but I also think that they are fair at the end of the day because you only want the best lifters on the Olympic stage."

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Katzav added he’d witnessed emerging talent in Mossel Bay as well as seeing consistency from those who have competed at the highest level recently. 

This was also the first time Katzav was part of an event solely as a coach, which gave him a different perspective. 

"This was my first time acting as a coach and not as an athlete as well, and it was great to see my team encourage and support one another. I learnt how to manage a large a team of lifters, some of them were successful and others weren't, so I had to deal with emotions of frustration for some and celebrate the achievements of others."