SA powerlifting icon passes away
De Bruin, a former president of South Africa Powerlifting, was recognised as a founder of powerlifting in the early 1970s.
World-renowned powerlifter from Valhalla, Sarel de Bruin (84), died on Saturday morning after he was diagnosed with cancer the week before.
De Bruin, a former president of South Africa Powerlifting, was recognised as a founder of powerlifting in the early 1970s.
“The powerlifting community deeply respected Sarel and regarded him as the father of the sport in the country,” said International Powerlifting Federation (IFP) president Gaston Parage.
“Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the South African powerlifting federation.”
Last year, Parage flew all the way from Belgium, Europe to present De Bruin with an honorary membership plaque.
De Bruin’s son André said that his father would be remembered for his dedication to the sport and his fighting spirit.
In 1996, Sarel and André suffered serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
“The doctors told my dad he would never be able to walk again, but my father proved them wrong. That is the type of human being he was. He never stopped fighting,” said André.
A memorial service has been arranged for Friday on the family’s plot in Valhalla.
Former senior powerlifting world champion, Wietze Steyn, who has travelled with De Bruin, said that he went out of his way to accommodate his athletes.
They shared great memories together as De Bruin was the team manager of the Springboks for a few years running.
“He was an amazing person. He was the type of person that you would not run into every day. He created a great atmosphere among the team and always knew what to say to motivate his athletes,” said Steyn.
VIDEO: Former IPF Master’s World Powerlifting Champion, Weitze Steyn.
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