Motherhood fuels Anneke Spies-Burger's Commonwealth Games journey

The 33-year-old is one of nine South African lifters selected for the Games, marking her second appearance at the multi-sport event. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Spies-Burger reflected on the emotional journey of chasing qualification while raising her one-year-old daughter. 

"I've had a love hate relationship with it over the last year. The athletes in me just wants to compete and do my best, but then there's that mother side that doesn't want to compete and just wants to spend time with her baby. It's just about finding the right balance."

READ: Khanyisa Chawane excited ahead of third Commonwealth Games

She believes becoming a mother has strengthened her mentally and it has given her a fresh perspective as she prepares to represent the country on one of the biggest stages in international weightlifting.

Spies-Burger added that it was satisfying knowing she is now on her way to yet another Commonwealth Games participation after so much has changed since the previous one.

"It's a weird feeling this time around. 2022 Birmingham I was focused on being an athlete, but this time around I ask myself do I want to be more of an athlete or do I want to be more of a mom. It was not an easy road but to achieve qualification is really nice. It's also nice to know that I've put in the work and achieved what I really wanted to achieve."

The Mossel Bay athlete hopes to inspire fellow mothers to believe they can balance parenthood with competing at the highest level.