Mondeor pole athlete Debbie Howes (61) takes gold at world championships

Pole athlete Debbie Howes (61) from Mondeor, Johannesburg south has earned her way to the top, claiming a gold medal for her skills and prowess at this year’s International Pole Sports Federation World Championship (IPSF) in Kielce, Poland.

Howes is a professional clinical psychologist who took an interest in pole dancing as a hobby about 10 years ago.

“In those days, it was not a very popular sport, and it had many negative connotations, but it then developed into a proper sport,” said Howes.

She explained the technicalities of the sport since its development into a proper sport. One can compete in different sections such as pole art or pole sport, which requires the athlete to do 11 compulsory moves where athletes are judged by their 360-degree spins, angles of their feet, extended knees and moves held for a specific number of seconds. This can be described as complicated, especially when executed on a 3m high vertical metal pole.

“Although taking part in a few competitions in South Africa, my friend competed in the world and suggested that I should too,” highlighted Howes.

Growing up, she was always good at gymnastics and danced as a child and during her time as a student, dancing helped her pay for her studies. Her friend taught poling at a pole studio in Alberton, and Howes joined the classes. Joining the classes years ago was easy for her, as she was already strong because of her gymnastics and dancing background.

The competition took place between October 25 and October 29. Howes competed on October 27 in the over 60s category where she had four minutes on stage to showcase her 11 compulsory moves to a judging panel – each who pays close attention to one move.

She describes her time competing abroad as scary and nerve-wracking, but very interesting, highlighting that the other athletes were great.

“It was nice to go for the first time. I enjoyed every moment,” said Howes.

Competition preparations

To qualify for worlds, you first need to compete at a national level.

Howes began training for nationals in February 2022 and competed in May 2022. Her training for worlds began two weeks after competing at the nationals.

She would train every week, twice a week, to get better. Howes was among eight athletes from Africa who made their way to the world competition.

Howes is grateful to her trainer based in Randburg who helped her get better, teaching her exactly what she needs to know to succeed at an international standard.

The preparations for the competition required Howes to have a strict diet, be mindful of supplement intake as the federation does drug testing, and complete the WADA anti-doping training course with an 80% pass. She also ensured she prepared physically and mentally for the competition.

Winning the gold

“I did not expect to win. I would have been happy if I got a better score than at the nationals,” emphasised Howes.

She was surprised, receiving 17 points more than the nationals. Being the last competitor, everyone knew she had won because of the score track.

It is the combination of her flexibility, focus, gymnastics and dancing background that gives her a great advantage in winning.

Despite encountering challenges along the way, Howes is thrilled about winning the gold medal and hopes to continue competing.