James has been selected for the Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships after breaking South African records in just his first year in the sport.
Johannesburg, South Africa (08 September 2026) – Fifteen-year-old weightlifter James Venske is halfway to his fundraising target, but with his international debut now just weeks away, there is still a push to get him over the line and onto the plane to Algeria.
James has been selected to represent South Africa at the Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships from 5 to 13 October 2026, but getting to the competition comes with a hefty price tag.
His family says they are currently around the halfway mark of the amount needed to cover his trip, and are appealing to the public for more support to help get the young athlete to the international stage.
And considering what James has achieved in less than a year, there is plenty of reason to believe he could make his mark in Algeria.
James initially started weightlifting at the beginning of the year simply to improve his technique and performance in CrossFit.
That plan quickly turned into something much bigger.
Already crowned Africa’s Fittest Teen in CrossFit, James finished in the top 30 worldwide in the CrossFit Open Teen 15–16 division in his first appearance in the competition. He also topped the South African Quarterfinals and Semifinals.
James has competed in just two weightlifting competitions this year, breaking records at both events.
At his most recent competition, he broke the South African snatch record twice before finishing with a lift of 101kg.
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Now, he has the chance to test himself against some of the best young weightlifters from around the world.
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According to his family, South African athletes competing at the championships are not receiving funding for the trip, meaning James’s family must cover his travel expenses as well as a portion of his coach’s costs.
A qualified coach is required for athletes to compete at the championships, adding another expense to an already costly international trip.
The family believes James has a genuine chance of adding to his collection of South African records in Algeria.
With the fundraising campaign now halfway to its target, every contribution could help close the remaining gap and give James the opportunity to pull on the green and gold for the first time.
His family is continuing to appeal to individuals and businesses who may be willing to support his journey.
James’s progress and record-breaking lifts can also be followed on Instagram at @James_Venske14, where he shares his weightlifting achievements.
To continue supporting James, follow the link here.
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