Gauteng strength athlete Gary Katzen won three gold and one silver medals at the South Africa Strict Arm Curl and Freestanding Curl National Championships.

He proudly represented Gauteng at the ONOMO Hotel in Durban, where he delivered another outstanding performance on the national stage.

Competing in the highly competitive 100 kg division, Katzen returned home with an impressive record, further cementing his reputation as one of South Africa’s leading strength sport athletes.

His achievements included:

• Gold medal – masters 5 strict arm curl (100 kg)

• Gold medal – masters 5 freestanding curl (100 kg)

• Gold medal – open freestanding curl (100 kg)

• Silver medal – open strict arm curl (100 kg)

Katzen has enjoyed an outstanding career spanning bodybuilding, powerlifting, arm wrestling, the Strict Arm Curl, and the Freestanding Curl. Throughout his sporting career, he has proudly achieved South African National Colours in four sporting disciplines, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects his versatility and dedication to strength sport.

He is a multiple World Champion, South African Champion, Commonwealth Champion, and has won several Arnold Classic Africa Strict Arm Curl titles.

He currently holds several South African National Records, including the masters 5 100 kg division strict arm curl record of 61 kg, the masters 5 100 kg division freestanding curl record of 80.5 kg, and the open 110 kg division freestanding curl record of 77.5 kg.

These achievements reflect decades of dedication, disciplined training and an unwavering passion for strength sport.

Beyond competing, Katzen is passionate about promoting the rapidly growing sports of strict arm curl and freestanding curl throughout South Africa. He believes these disciplines provide athletes of all ages with the opportunity to test true arm strength, technique and determination in a competitive yet supportive environment.

Reflecting on his latest success, Katzen said, “Every competition is another opportunity to challenge yourself and improve. Winning medals is rewarding, but inspiring others to believe they can achieve greatness regardless of age is even more meaningful.”

Katzen also expressed his sincere appreciation to the organisers, officials, volunteers and fellow competitors for hosting a professionally run championship and for their continued commitment to growing the sport in South Africa.

There is little time to celebrate, however, as Katzen has already returned to training in preparation for the African Strict Arm Curl and Freestanding Curl Championships, which will be held in Durban this September.

The continental championship will bring together Africa’s top strength athletes, and Katzen is looking forward to once again representing Gauteng and South Africa while striving for further international success.

Gary Katzen’s achievements continue to make Gauteng proud and serve as an inspiration to athletes of all ages. His remarkable journey proves that with commitment, perseverance, discipline and passion, age is no barrier to achieving excellence.

He hopes his success will encourage more South Africans to participate in the exciting and fast-growing sports of strict arm curl and freestanding curl, ensuring their continued growth and recognition across the country.