Miela and Andre Smit, siblings from KuGompo City, have made headlines with their impressive powerlifting achievements. At the African Congress Powerlifting Championship in Durban, they broke multiple records, showcasing their strength and dedication to the sport. Miela, 18, benched 62.5kg, while Andre, 14, lifted 122.5kg, a weight equivalent to an industrial washing machine or upright piano. Their remarkable performance has earned them recognition and a coveted school wardrobe upgrade.
Andre competed in the Teen 1 category, taking gold and setting a new world record in the over-140kg category. He stands at 1.83m tall and weighs 165kg, making him 40kg heavier than a fully grown Springbok rugby forward. Miela, competing in the Teen 3 category, set national records with a 125kg squat and a 145kg deadlift, and was crowned overall best teen lifter. Both siblings have been awarded South African colours for international representation.
The siblings' interest in powerlifting began at the gym, where they heard others discussing their goals and achievements in the sport. They signed up with coach Neo Pheko and have been training diligently since. Their father, Bernard, noted that Andre's growth and strength were evident from a young age, saying, "Andre is big. He's only 14, but he shot past me when he was 12."
Miela and Andre's parents, Bernard and Marijke, have been supportive of their children's passion for powerlifting. Marijke mentioned that keeping the siblings fuelled is a challenge due to their high-protein diet. She often shops at Checkers Sixty/60, saying it's her best friend. The family's grocery bill has increased significantly since the siblings started powerlifting.
The siblings' decision to attend Stirling High School was influenced by the school's honours system, which allows pupils who earn national colours to wear a white honours blazer. Miela was determined to attend the school, and her brother followed her lead. Their father, Bernard, noted that it was a challenge for them to adapt to studying in English, but they have both excelled academically.
Miela and Andre's mother, Marijke, described the emotional experience of watching her children break records, saying, "You cannot imagine what it is like to see your child do their best and break the record. You run to the front to watch them, everyone is cheering and it's like your heart is bursting, and the tears just roll." The family's ordinary and supportive environment has contributed to the siblings' success.
As Miela and Andre look to the future, they aim to continue pushing themselves in powerlifting. Miela plans to focus on her matric finals and eventually study medical technology, while Andre has more typical teenage interests, including gaming and rugby. With their records and achievements, they have set themselves up for a promising future in the sport.
Key points
- Miela and Andre Smit broke multiple powerlifting records at the African Congress Powerlifting Championship in Durban.
- The siblings have been awarded South African colours for international representation and earned a school wardrobe upgrade.
- Miela and Andre's parents have been supportive of their passion for powerlifting, with their mother noting the challenge of keeping them fuelled due to their high-protein diet.
