National Champs hailed as proof of SA Weightlifting surge

Gauteng played host as lifters from across the country gathered in Kempton Park, aiming to boost their totals and strengthen their bids for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

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Katzav, who also competed at the event, told SABC Sport he was encouraged by the level of talent on display.

 "It was great to see some of the juniors coming through and competing with the seniors. They put on a good show. All you can ask of an athlete is for them to do their best, and if they perform numbers that have not done before - that is good. It was great to see some of them compete in a way that is almost internationally recognisable," said Katzav.

Will Swart, who has become the weightlifting poster boy in SA, took first place at the competition and Katzav says with his numbers a medal in Glasgow is possible.

"For example, Will and Nico were putting up numbers that were breaking SA records and it was great to see that those numbers for international competition they are competitive. I think South Africa in weightlifting is growing immensely as a sport, and in terms of professionalism and competitiveness," added Katzav.

Katzav adds that he had both his coaching and athlete hat during the National Championships.

The 33-year-old will jet off to Angola later this month for the All Africa Youth Games to lead two young lifters. He says the recent event was an eye-opener for them.

 "I am going to Angola in just over a week. It will be nice to take two of our youth athletes along, hopefully they can perform well and probably come back with medals. For the athletes this was a great opportunity to showcase their skills ahead of the Commonwealth and Africa Champs next year," he expressed.