Local powerlifters lift PBs at national competition
Lionel van der Merwe achieved 300kg, while Samuel Zeelie managed 295kg in the squat.
Benoni powerlifters Lionel van der Merwe and Samuel Zeelie prepared intensely for 12 weeks ahead of the World Powerlifting Congress (WPC) South African Championships, held from June 13 to 15 at the Old Bens Sports Club.
Despite only starting the sport in February, the duo made impressive progress, smashing their personal bests (PBs) in the squat.
Zeelie went first, failing his first two attempts at 295kg but conquering the lift on his final try to set a new PB. Inspired by his teammate’s success, Van der Merwe pushed beyond his planned 260kg and 270kg lifts, attempting a 300kg squat—and nailed it.
“It’s motivating. Sam and I train together and push each other every week to perform our best at competitions,” said Van der Merwe. “When Sam hit 295kg, I couldn’t let him down. I had to man up and go for 300kg—and it worked.”
Zeelie shared, “Hearing the crowd cheer was an amazing feeling. I’m proud of Lionel’s PB too. It’s been an awesome journey.”
Other local lifters, including men’s 50-54 masters world champion Warren Brits and Van der Merwe’s wife, Liesl, also competed at the event.
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