Kennedy brings home 3 Commonwealth awards
FAIRLAND - Local boasts 4 gold medals after just a year competing in powerlifting.
Eighteen year old local boy Robert Kennedy has just competed in the Commonwealth and Oceania Powerlifting and Benchpress Championships in Auckland, New Zealand, where he achieved a world record in the deadlift, three commonwealth records, four South African records and was awarded four gold medals.
“Rob only started competing in Powerlifting at the beginning of last year. With hard work and discipline, he has come a long way in a short time. His future is bright,” says Cliff Hayim, SA Team Coach and Powerlifting Federation Gauteng Chairman.
Robert is a resident of Fairland and matriculated last year from Northcliff High School. He has just completed a personal trainer’s course with the Health and Fitness Professionals Academy. Robert wants to continue competing while working as a personal trainer to help fund his powerlifting and future degree studies.
The Protea Powerlifting team receives no financial assistance; the team of 21 that went to New Zealand were all self-funded and did exceptionally well for South Africa, scooping Robert’s World Sub-Junior
deadlift record, a further six new Commonwealth records, 19 SA records, 49 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze medals and 3 best lifter awards.
Helping Robert in his endeavours is Adidas, for whom he will be a brand ambassador for Powerlifting gear and fitness equipment in 2014. Says Cliff, “In February and March 2014, the SA Bench Press and the SA Raw Powerlifting Championships will both take place in Potchefstroom.
The SA Powerlifting Federation is also hosting the World Raw Powerlifting Championships in Muldersdrift, Gauteng in June. It’s going to be an exciting year for South African Powerlifting and our athletes need support to give of their best.”
For the fitness enthusiasts among you, Robert’s full stats for the competition are: Squat: 220kg – Commonwealth and SA record; Bench press: 132.5kg – SA record; Deadlift:280kg – World record, Commonwealth record and SA record; and Total: 632.5kg – Commonwealth and SA record.
Details: hannie@lagayim.co.za, 082 566 3433.
