Four Strong South Africans Set to Represent at World Powerlifting Congress

Photo Credit: Supplied - Michael, Chantelle, Amy and Lily Anne (Left to Right)

The World Powerlifting Congress happens this October and four South African powerlifters will be waving the flag in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Cape Town, South Africa (01 August 2023) – Amy Froneman (43), Michael Naidoo (44), Chantelle Buitendag (34) and Lily Ann Day (16) will be heading to Manchester in October to “pump iron” at the World Powerlifting Congress. The event celebrates the strongest amongst us, and the mental, physical and emotional toll the sport takes on athletes as they work towards reaching their personal bests.

The World Powerlifting Congress was established in 1986 and has become a beloved sport in over 46 countries. Amy Froneman established her team after meeting each of them at competitions or through her gym Bohemian Barbelle. Last year, July 2022, the team first competed at the Rhino Powerlifting Club qualifying competition and brought home 6 winning titles. From there, she has been encouraging her clients to join and in the last competition, four qualified for the World Powerlifting Congress World Championships.

“In less than one year the Bohemian BarBelle Club’s Powerlifting Team competed in 6 competitions across South Africa”

Amy has earned three 1st place titles, two at the WPC National Championships for 2021 and 2022 (M1 U60kg), as well as a third 1st place title, Best Female Master Lifter and Best overall Female Lifter AWPC National Championships for 2023. She currently ranks 3rd in South Africa U60 Female Masters Category

The rest of the team have done equally as well! Michael earned first place (M1 U82.5kg) at both the qualifiers and the WPC National Championships. He currently ranks 6th Overall in South Africa in U82.5 Masters 1.

Chantelle earn her 1st place for the Open U67.5kg Female Category at AWPC National Championships this year. Chantelle has earned a rank of 3rd in South Africa U67.5 Female Masters Category.

Finally, Lily Anne, who joined the sport at the age of 15 last year, earned 2nd at the 2022 U16 Teen U67.5kg at World Powerlifting Congress National Championships and 1st place at the 2023 U16 Teen U60kg Category as well as, the Best Overall Female Teen Lifter at AWPC National Championships.

The team is made up of some powerful people and we have no doubt they will be flying the flag high in Manchester. We look forward to sharing how the championship goes and will be sure to keep you updated!

You can find more of the team’s stats and how to get involved in their journey to Manchester here.