Local athlete to compete on an Olympic level
Idelé du Toit, who started weight-lifting 11 months ago, says she never gave the sport much thought until her father encouraged her to try it
Idelé du Toit, who started weight-lifting 11 months ago, says she never gave the sport much thought until her father encouraged her to try it. “My dad always thought I would be good at it, and he would always motivate me,” she said.
It wasn’t until Idelé watched the Olympics last year that she started showing an interest in the sport and researching it.
“I realised it was also available in Potchefstroom,” Idelé said.
To the 20-year-old’s surprise, she proved very good at the sport and continues to reach great achievements. According to her coach, Lafras Dunn, Idelé has come in either first or second place in every competition she has participated in.
At the moment, Idelé is the only woman to qualify for the national team in the under 64 kg bodyweight category. She has been selected to represent South Africa at the African Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championships in Marrakech, Morocco, on 1 September 2022.
Idelé is one of two girls known for weightlifting in Potchefstroom at an Olympic level.
There is currently no official funding from the South African Weightlifting Association or the government. Therefore, if you are interested in sponsoring Idelé or getting more information on the competition, contact her coach, Lafras Dunn, at 0828814083.
