Ekurhuleni’s strongest show their strength
The region’s strongest men and women competed for titles in different weight divisions.
It wasn’t just a test of strength but a showcase of power and determination when Ekurhuleni’s strongest men and women battled for regional titles during the East Rand Strongest regional championships at the Silverbacks Fusion Restaurant in Brentwood Park on April 5.
The event attracted local pro and amateur athletes and some from other parts of the country when they vied for titles in the U80kg, U90kg and U105kg weight classes.
After three rounds of events like the deadlift, the dumbbell press and the log lift, Zimbabwean Chido Maenzanise won the open women’s pro/am division, beating Veane Nel to the top prize.
Rene Nel won the U80 novice men’s category, while Dillan Davel won the U80 men’s pro/am class. Jean-Arthur Pretorius showed his strength, winning the U90 men’s pro/am division, with Jan van Bavel walking away with the master’s men U105 title.
Leon Swart won the open novice men’s title, and Morehill resident Tyrone Seaton-Smith clinched the open men’s pro/am class. Jacques Drotsky was victorious in the master’s men open novice division, while Andre Sweeney took the master’s men pro/am title.
Jacque de Jager from Benoni, the strongest 105kg athlete in Africa, praised the event, saying it was a stepping stone for those aiming to compete nationally.
He described the sport as a combination of feats of strength and entertainment, adding that it differs from traditional weight lifting.
“You don’t have to be big. You have to be strong. It’s not just a test of strength. It also tests your mind. We have three weight classes – U80kg, U90kg and U105kg. Anything above 105kg is for the big boys, the professionals,” he said.
De Jager, ranked 13th in the world in his weight class, said the sport is steadily growing in the province, thanks to their demonstrations at various shopping centres.
“We do demonstrations all over. We also have regular training days at various Benoni, Norkem Park and Roodepoort facilities.
“But the main thing is the demonstrations. We host at shopping centres to show people what we do. Out of three demonstrations, we get two athletes.”
The former Springs Rugby Club player switched from the oval-shaped ball to lifting heavy stuff in 2019 after an injury-affected career.
“After rugby, I had to find something competitive to do. I started Strongman as a novice athlete. I won many competitions as a novice before moving up a division to challenge myself. It’s my sixth year. I’ve done many shows locally and in Zambia,” De Jager said.
The East Rand Strongest is open to new members. If you are interested in the sport, call Coenrad Theron on 076 033 2607 for more information.
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