GEORGE NEWS - Former Kwagga Nic du Preez has realised a long-time dream by walking away with the champion’s belt at the recent ABS Pro 7 Powerlifting Series meet in Dublin, Ireland.
Du Preez was successful in his attempts at an incredible 420kg squat, a 250kg bench press and 395kg deadlift.
After finishing as the runner-up for the last three years, this humble former George resident has finally grabbed the ultimate prize.
Powerlifting is a sport based on strength, and the competitions take place over three movements (exercises), which are called the squat, bench press and deadlift. These three disciplines test the true full-body strength of the athlete - the lower body, back and upper body.
In order to determine the athlete’s total, you need to add together the heaviest successful lift of all three movements. Du Preez’s belt won a total jaw-dropping 1 065kg! That put him in an elite group on the international stage who have achieved a one-ton-plus total.
Du Preez has been competing since 2018, having done eight national powerlifting meets at home in South Africa, four international meets in Ireland, and one international meet in China, Shanghai, where he took first place at the national champs, broke the deadlift world record and set up Asia’s biggest total ever in its powerlifting history.
The Du Preezs originally moved to George when Nic was 12, and after he started high school at Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale in Riversdale, he found a passion for mixed martial arts and bodybuilding. This prompted him moving back to George and Outeniqua High for grades 11 and 12.
Up next is a powerlifting meet in San Diego, California, scheduled for 11 October, when he will lock horns with the strongest powerlifters on the planet.
Nic du Preez with his champion’s belt.
Nic du Preez in action during the powerlifting event, using intense strength and focus as he does a heavy squat under close supervision.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
