Alberton powerlifters bring home World Titles from Durban’s WPC championships
Powerlifters from Alberton’s Pitbull Club dominated at the 2025 World Powerlifting Congress Championships in Durban, bringing home multiple gold medals, world titles, and a national record.
Alberton’s strength community is celebrating this week after two local masters athletes from Pitbull Powerlifting Club delivered outstanding performances at the World Powerlifting Congress (WPC) World Championships 2025, hosted at the Onomo Hotel in Durban.
Colin du Bryn and Mark Esch, representing Alberton’s well-known Pitbull Club, secured gold medals and world champion titles, cementing their status among the strongest competitors on the global stage.
Competing in the master two age division within the 100-110kg bodyweight category (equipped bench press), Colin du Bryn powered his way to a gold medal and the esteemed title of WPC world champion.
His teammate, Mark Esch, delivered an equally impressive performance in the masters four division, competing in the 125-140kg weight class. Esch not only earned gold in the equipped bench press, but also dominated the raw bench press division, clinching two gold medals and securing his third career WPC world title.
Pitbull Club also celebrated the achievements of Michael Buys, who claimed first place and a gold medal in the junior 75kg full powerlifting division, as well as Danie Martin, who earned a second-place finish in the freestanding arm curl and third place in the Arm Curl (100kg division).
Commenting on the journey, the athletes praised the intense months of disciplined training, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment that led them to the world stage.
“This journey has been one of intense training, discipline and unwavering dedication. I am especially proud to share that my coach has just set a new national record of a 170kg bench press, showing what is possible with grit and passion.
“To everyone who stood by us, our families, training partners, friends, and supporters – thank you. Your encouragement, belief, and constant motivation kept us pushing through the toughest moments.”
They also extended appreciation to the event organisers.
“We would like to thank the organisers of the championships. It was an amazing event and a wonderful opportunity to compete against the world’s best. We truly believe this was one of the best competitions we’ve ever participated in.”
