Powerlifters bring home the gold

TWO OF the strongest bench pressers from the Northern Cape excelled at the recent South African Classic and Equipped Bench Press Championships held in Potchefstroom.

A total of 95 powerlifters from throughout South Africa competed at the event from January 6 to 8, with Ricardo Fitzpatrick and Gys Smith flying the flag for the Northern Cape and Kimberley in the 83kg and 120kg+ classes respectively.

Fitzpatrick defeated the field by pressing 150kg to earn gold in both the Open and Master 1 under-83kg classes.

In the 120kg+ Master 2 class, Gys Smith also out-lifted the competition with 190kg to win gold.

Both lifters were selected for the SA teams to compete in the Asian/Pacific/African Bench Press Championships, which will be held in Hong Kong, China, from June 23 to 30, and the African Classic and Equipped Bench Press Championships,to be held in Potchefstroom, South Africa, from March 10 to 12.

Each lifter requires around R75,000 to compete in these international contests, which are all self-funded.

Both Ricardo and Gys work for the provincial government as public officials, with Fitzpatrick serving as a network controller for the Premier's Office and Smith serving as a highly-decorated police detective for the SAPS.

The two bench press competitors from the Northern Cape will be extremely grateful for any sponsors who join forces with them to help them realise their goals. Anyone interested in assisting can contact Ricardo Fitzpatrick on 083 942 5821.