Morningside powerlifter Gary Katzen claims 2 titles at inaugural African curl championships in Durban
At 64, Morningside resident Gary Katzen proved age is just a number by scooping two gold medals and lifting 193kg at the Africa Strict Arm Curl and Freestanding Curl Championships.
Gary Katzen added two African championship titles to his sporting career after competing at the inaugural Africa Strict Arm Curl and Freestanding Curl Championships in Durban on September 25.
The 64-year-old Morningside resident won the strict arm curl and freestanding curl titles at the ONOMO Hotel. He also competed in the Gopher bar discipline, lifting a total of 193kg across all three events.
Read more: Young cricketers take centre stage as Africa Cup returns
Katzen lifted 60.5kg in the strict arm curl, 76.5kg in the freestanding curl and 56kg in the Gopher bar. Competing at approximately 100kg bodyweight, he was the oldest masters athlete at the tournament.
His achievements add to a career spanning several strength-sport disciplines, including bodybuilding, powerlifting, bench press, arm wrestling and curling.
He is a three-time strict arm curl world champion, Commonwealth powerlifting and bench press champion, and three-time Arnold Classic Africa strict arm curl champion. He has also won 45 national titles across four sporting disciplines.
Katzen said the inaugural African championships represented an important opportunity to grow the sport and give more athletes a platform to compete. “The sport has tremendous potential,” says Katzen.
Also read: Fasken Time Cricket Festival tests top schoolboys at St David’s
“There are many strong athletes who may never have had the opportunity to compete in traditional strength sports at a high level. Strict arm curl and freestanding curl give athletes another competitive platform where strength, technique, discipline and consistency can be tested.”
The championships aim to encourage participation across age groups, attract more male and female competitors, and create pathways for African athletes to compete internationally. Katzen also hopes his continued participation will encourage older people to remain active.
“I want people, particularly older men and women, to realise that age does not necessarily mean you have to stop setting sporting goals,” says Katzen.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
