Port Elizabeth teenager claims silver in Japan
Port Elizabeth teenager Mbasa Qilingele will take some time away from the platform to focus on academics after a medal-winning performance at the World Bench Press Championships.
The Cape Recife pupil, 17, said she was happy with her performance at the World Open, Sub Junior, Junior & Master Classic & Equipped Bench Press Championships.
Competing in the under 72kg weight category, the disabled powerlifter equalled her own national able bodied record, her heaviest lift being 70kg to take the silver medal
The able bodied competition was held in Japan earlier in May.
Competing in the under 72kg weight category, the disabled powerlifter equalled her own national able bodied record, her heaviest lift being 70kg to take the silver medal.
“It was an amazing experience to be able to go to Japan and compete on the international stage again,” she said excitedly.
“I think I was a bit exhausted because of the trip, and I think I could have done better, but it was still an amazing time for me,” she said.
Qilingele said she was taken aback by the friendliness of the Japanese, with some lifters hunting her down just to congratulate her.
National powerlifter Elisabeth Barry, Qilingele’s coach, said she had been impressed by Qilingele’s performance and believed her charge was capable of doing more.
“We were going to start at 70kg, but she pulled a disc in the warm up, so we decided to drop to 67kg.
“In able-bodied competition, you must have your foot on the ground.
“Because she doesn’t have sensation on the ground, her foot moved slightly, which meant she failed the second lift and had to redo 70kg,” Barry said.
Despite knowing the grade 11 pupil could have increased the weight during competition, Barry said she wanted her to “at least equal her national record instead of missing it”.
“I know she can do more, because she has lifted heavier weight than that in the gym at school.
“She equalled her national record in Japan, but I am confident she can break her national record, she has done both 72.5kg and 75kg in the gym at school,” Barry said.
Qilingele, busy with school exams, said her main focus was her academics in the short term, but said she would return to training fairly soon.
“I have only written three exams so far and it is quite challenging, so I am trying to focus on getting through this at the moment, but I will be back in gym very soon.”
Barry said international competitors and fans were amazed by the lifter’s drive and determination to succeed, with some going to great lengths for a congratulatory handshake.
“I think we could say she was in her element – she had a permanent smile on her face.
“So many people came up to her to congratulate her – they remember her from last year,” Barry said.
“It was very exciting and everyone is so proud of her.”
Regarding Qilingele’s road forward, Barry said they would look at her taking part in a provincial competition on a date to be decided, the ultimate goal being to attend the African championships in Potchefstroom in October.
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