Mondeor psychologist (62) to represent SA at World Pole Championships
Debbie Howes will compete in the 2025 IPSF World Championships in Argentina, her third time on the global stage as she continues to break age and sport stereotypes with strength and grace.
At 62, clinical psychologist Debbie Howes is getting ready to represent SA on the world stage for the third time.
Based in Mondeor, Johannesburg south, Howes has qualified for the 2025 International Pole and Aerial Sports Federation (IPSF) World Pole and Aerial Sports Championships in Argentina.
She will compete in the masters 60-plus women category in a solo routine and a group performance alongside three teammates.
This will be her third time competing at the World Championships. She earned a gold medal in 2023 in Poland and a bronze in 2024 in Sweden.
“It feels like such an honour to qualify again. Pole sport gives me purpose, discipline and a renewed sense of excitement. Every year brings a new challenge and a chance to grow,” she said.
From fire and kung fu to the pole
Howes’ background is in the performing arts and martial arts. She began as a cabaret dancer and performer, incorporating elements such as kung fu, gymnastics and nunchaku fire routines.
“I performed until my 40s, and after I stopped, I discovered pole sport. It felt like a natural next step that combined my past experiences with a new athletic discipline,” she said.
She also has a long-standing athletic background. In addition to gymnastics in her youth, she has trained in kung fu, teaches tai chi and previously competed in bodybuilding. These disciplines have equipped her with the strength, control, and flexibility needed for pole sport.
Training, endurance and balance
Howes trains under coach Daniela Baker in Randburg.
She joins weekly group sessions with other World Championship athletes and also attends private sessions.
“Right now, I can only complete half of my routine. The stamina and strength it takes is enormous. But in the weeks leading up to the competition, I increase the intensity of my training.”
She maintains her strength through regular gym workouts and sticks to a healthy lifestyle to avoid illness or setbacks during the crucial build-up period.
To balance it all with her professional work as a psychologist, she carefully juggles her time.
“It is demanding, but it is also a great way to de-stress. Pole pulls me into my physical body and gives me a powerful reset from the mental load of my work.”
Overcoming stereotypes
A key part of Howes’ mission is challenging outdated perceptions of pole.
“People think pole is about erotic dancing. But competitive pole sport is a legitimate athletic discipline, with strict rules and high technical requirements,” she said.
In her category, she must execute 11 compulsory moves in a judged routine. These include strength holds, flexibility elements and clean transitions. It takes months of conditioning to perform them with consistency and control.
“I often look at a move and think it is impossible. Then I train and I manage to get it. That is where confidence is built.”
Representing the country
The South African Pole Sports Federation selected 16 athletes for the IPSF World Champs after the recent national championships.
The national event saw 82 performances and 26 athletes qualify to compete internationally.
“To represent South Africa on a world platform is an incredible privilege. Especially at my age, to be able to do these moves and stay strong is something I am proud of.”
What comes next?
Once the World Championships are over, Howes plans to continue training, refining her skills and helping change perceptions of the sport.
“I want to keep improving, maintain my strength and flexibility and continue to do this for as long as I am able. I want to show that you can get better with age.”
Her advice to those who feel intimidated by pole sport is simple.
“Just start. It is the beginning of a journey that will change your life. It is worth every challenge.”
What is pole sport?
Pole sport is a regulated competitive sport governed by the International Pole Sports Federation.
It includes routines performed on a vertical pole and judged for strength, flexibility, control and artistic execution.
The South African Pole Sports Federation runs the official national championships annually and selects athletes to compete at the World Championships.
The sport has grown in popularity in SA and now includes athletes of all ages and genders.
