Northern Cape's Ricardo Fitzpatrick sets sights on eighth national bench press championship
Northern Cape strongman Ricardo Fitzpatrick claimed multiple gold medals at the Gauteng Bench Press Championships and now targets an African record and eighth national title when he competes at the South African Championships in Gqeberha later this month.
Image: Supplied
NORTHERN Cape strongman Ricardo Fitzpatrick continues to assert his dominance on the national powerlifting stage after an outstanding performance at the Gauteng Classic and Equipped Bench Press Championships held from January 24 to 25 at the SASCOC Olympic House.
Fitzpatrick delivered a flawless showing, claiming first place in both the classic and equipped bench press championships. He also secured gold in the Open Equipped Division, underlining his reputation as one of South Africa’s most formidable bench press athletes.
The experienced lifter is now firmly focused on competing again in the Equipped Bench Press division, a category where he believes his strength and technical ability are at their peak.
“The last time I competed equipped was in 2013 at the IPF World Bench Press Championships in Lithuania, where I broke the South African bench press record with a lift of 190kg,” Fitzpatrick said.
More than a decade later, his ambitions remain as strong as ever. In 2026, Fitzpatrick has set his sights on breaking the African bench press record of 170kg, currently held by his Northern Cape teammate Tommie de Nysshen.
The two provincial teammates are expected to renew their friendly rivalry on the national stage after both qualifying for the South African Bench Press Championships, scheduled to take place in Gqeberha from February 21.
With momentum on his side and history already behind him, Fitzpatrick enters the upcoming championships determined to chase further records and an eighth national title for the Northern Cape.
Like many elite athletes, funding remains a persistent challenge for Fitzpatrick. He has approached numerous potential sponsors in pursuit of support, yet meaningful assistance has been limited. Those wishing to help him realise his ambitions can contact him directly on 083 942 5821.