Help local strongman get to world games
Westville old boy, Blake Louwrens is the first South African to represent the country in the U105kg world's strongest man.
Sanelisiwe Tsinde
WESTVILLE Strongman Champ, Blake Louwrens was recently selected to represent SA in the official strongman games, U105kg World's Strongest Man category.
The games will be held on December 16 and 17 in Raleigh, North Carolina USA.
Blake is the first strongman to represent SA in the world champs U105kgs category.
The Westville Boys' Old Boy was introduced to the sport by a gym member who saw his potential.
He won the first competition he entered in 2015, from there he has won 2016/17 Arnolds, South Africa South Coast Strongest Man 2016/17, was winner of African champ 2016, won Botswanas strongest Man 2017 and South African strongest Man U105kgs 2017.
He holds South Africa and African deadlift record of 380kgs which he wants to break by doing a 400kg at his next competition.
Blake admitted the sport is challenging and tests your body strength but he enjoys a challenge.
“With strongman, you have to break the limit, it is awkward and it not like an average day at the gym.
“Sometimes you get hurt. I had to overcome a few injuries in my sporting career such as multiple bicep tears, an ankle operation, a knee operation, a calf tear and multiple pectoral tears. I have pushed through it all to reach my goal and I will not stop until I reach my next one which is winning the World Under 105kg Strongman title,” he said.
Coming from a rugby and athletics background which required a lot of training, Blake said it was not that hard to adapt.
“Strongman is a focus driven sport. You have to be willing to give it your best a 100 per cent of the time and never give up. I love the sport and the positive impact it has on my life.
“I train in the gym every day after work for a minimum of two hours and follow a strict diet during the week, but life is about balance and every weekend I make sure to reward my body with some good food.
“What also keeps me going is my team, they are very motivating and are always willing to stand behind me; the support is essential in this sport,” he said.
Blake said he fell in love with the sport when he was 19 and it taught him how to work hard for what you want and to set goals.
“I have always been a determined and hard-working person. I believe that you get out what you put in and that's why I train as hard as I do. I strive to make my family proud and to succeed in the sport but it can be challenging having a full time job and dedicate the necessary time to training,” he added.
Blake is appealing to anyone who can assist by sponsoring his trip to the US in December. People who would like to help can contact him on 072 522 3970 or visit his Facebook page, Get Blake to Worlds Sponsorship.
