Power-lifter from Alberton excels
A young man from Alberton is making waves in the power-lifting community.
A YOUNG man from Alberton is making waves in the power-lifting community.
Adrian Smith (20), from Mayberry Park, has many titles under his belt already, but “there is still a lot more to achieve,” the young man-mountain tells the RECORD.
“I’ve been competing for nearly two years and I’ve been training for three,” says Adrian.
“I was a rugby player at school and then I started doing bodybuilding when someone suggested I try power-lifting, and it went from there,” he adds.
Some of Adrian’s recent accomplishments include breaking the SA junior (ages 18-24) bench press record in the 93kg division with a weight of 177.5kg, and taking the title of the best male ”equipped” (referring to use of wraps, guards, waist-belts, etc., allowed while competing) lifter, in the three disciplines of deadlift, squat and bench press, at the Arnie Classic.
Asked what some of the challenges are in this sport, he replied: “Aside from the discipline it takes, struggling with injuries and my social life that is a bit limited, sponsorship is also a problem.
”This is actually quite an expensive sport, because you have to eat specific foods in large amounts and it involves a lot of travelling, so it’s a bit of a financial strain.”His advice to aspiring lifters is: “Stay away from the poisons of drugs, smoking and the like, be disciplined and just have fun.”
Adrian plans to move into the areas of strongman and weightlifting, and “I want to have my own gym one day,” the young man says with a smile.
In the immediate future, Adrian has his eyes set on winning the World Equipped Power-lifting Championships being held in Poland, in August and September.
“I also train other power-lifters, like an 18-year-old girl who has set several records, as well as the man who suggested I do this in the first place,” adds Adrian.
Any aspiring athletes who would like to get into the sport are welcome to give Adrian a call on 083 788 2982, or to e-mail him at 0768631060@vodamail.co.za
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