EXCITEMENT is building in Kimberley as one of the biggest events of the weightlifting calendar, the World Bench Press Championships, draws closer.

Kimberley’s reigning African bench press champion and African record holder Ricardo Fitzpatrick and fellow Kimberlite Gys Smith are currently training vigorously for the upcoming championships, which is scheduled to take place from May 19 to 27, in Sun City.

The two powerlifters are highly ranked in their respective divisions and stand a good chance of securing a medal or two at the championships.

Smith is currently ranked third in the 120+ kg Master 2 division, while Fitzpatrick is ranked sixth in the 83 kg Master 1 division. Although his rivals from Germany, Mongolia, and the Netherlands are on the same level, Fitzpatrick is confident that he can secure a bronze medal.

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Fitzpatrick told the DFA that he is eager to surpass his African record at the World Championships, where he hopes to cement his place among the world’s elite lifters.

The two powerlifters have been training relentlessly for months in preparation for the competition, spending long hours in the gym, refining their techniques, building their strength and perfecting their form. They know the importance of thorough preparation, being aware that the competition later this month will be fierce. However, they are determined to give it their all and represent their country with pride.

With the World Bench Press Championships being one of the biggest events of the year, everyone is eager to see our hometown heroes do well on the world stage.

Fitzpatrick and Smith are confident that their hard work will pay off at the championships. They know that they will be up against some of the best lifters in the world, but they are ready to give it their all and push themselves to their limits.

One thing they can be assured of, the people of Kimberley are behind them every step of the way, cheering them on as they hopefully bring home medals for their country.

If you in Kimberley this coming Saturday, 03 December 2022 at 11h00. Pull through to the William Humphreys Art Gallery Auditorium for the public screening of 'Breaking Barriers' The Ricardo Fitzpatrick Story @NCapeDSAC @QSompondo @NathiMthethwaSA @Camisto2 @enterprises_na pic.twitter.com/gCSizzSEsc
— Northern Cape Film Week (@NC_FilmWeek) December 1, 2022

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Ricardo Fitzpatrick adds another international gold to his collection

Local powerlifters ready to represent their country and make their city proud