Xolani to make history at kettlebell world champs

XOLANI Ndimande is determined to make a name for himself in the world of kettlebells and is proud to be the first black African man to take part in the world championships event in Kazakhstan later this year.

The 29-year-old has lived in Shongweni since he was born, passed matric in 2007 and started working for the Harris family as a gardener soon after. He worked as a gardener for three years and was asked to work part time by Colin Harris when he opened up Flux Fluid in Motion in Hillcrest. In 2013 he joined as a full time employee and his love for the sport started to grow.

“The first time I came to be a part of the gym I saw them lifting and I wanted to be a part of it, I wanted to get involved. Colin said I could lift and train with him. During my first few tries I dropped down and I really couldn’t even lift the kettlebells anymore because I was that sore,” laughed Xolani. “Colin then traveled overseas and took part in the world championships and I wanted to do the same as him, he is my inspiration.”

Colin, his trainer, boss and friend, described Xolani as incredibly inquisitive and hungry to learn. “I am hoping to one day see the places that Colin went to during the last competition in Ireland,” said Xolani.

In preparation for the upcoming competition he trains three to five times a week, twice a day. He starts with a run in the morning or a sports specific set of exercises and in the evening he takes part in lifting exercises. The training sessions run from between one and a half to two hours and sticks to a specific diet for breakfast lunch and dinner, most of it is vegetable based with a mix of fish and chicken. “I am looking to make those that have supported me proud. I know it is not easy to win but I am going to try my best,” said Xolani.

Colin said, “He chose this, and it is a lot of his own desire to give this a try. The nature of kettlebells is very difficult and caters for people who have a harder mindset and if you put in the effort the rewards are exponential. You have this expectancy of what you’re capable of and it shows you where you are weak and your strong points. It puts you in your place as it is something you experience yourself.”

Xolani is the first black African to compete in the World Championship in the sports’ history, which spans more than 400 years. This year he will compete with other athletes in Aktobe, Kazakhstan. He jets off from South Africa, his first time he will leave African soil, on Friday 21 October with the first day of lifting starting on 25 October. There are set to be about 450 to 500 competitors. He will compete in the 63-65kg weight category, double bell long cycle in the amateur division at a 2x24kg bells. Each lifter has a 10-minute session and the person with the most reps during that time wins.

“This is something that he is passionate about and he is excited to get up and try something new. I have trained some really great athletes but from a coaching perspective there is something that is so rewarding training someone who is so enthusiastic and passionate. The passion is also very contagious. His energy and his vibe has been amazing,” said Colin.

“I would like to send a thank to my brother, Kwazi, as he encouraged me each time I lifted and my friend, Philani Khoza, as he is excited to see me succeed when I am overseas,” said Xolani.