SA athlete Brendali Theron's rise as the World's Strongest Woman
SJ speaks to Brendali Theron who was recently crowned the World’s Strongest Woman in Dubai
South Africa can add another athlete to it's list of sports accolades this year.
Brendali Theron made history by becoming the first South African woman to be crowned the World's Strongest Woman.
33 year old Theron, a seasoned pro strongwoman, clinched the prestigious championship at an event in Dubai last month.
She's already secured the African championship title four times.
Theron's remarkable strength and determination have catapulted her to the pinnacle of strength sports, making her a role model for aspiring athletes globally.
"I started eight years at the first Arnold Classics held in South Africa. At the time, I did powerlifting. But after seeing the women competing in that competition, I decided I wanted to do it. In the same year, I did Africa and qualified for the Arnold Classics the next year."
-Brendali Theron, pro strongwoman
Taking on the Strongwoman contest is not just about bodybuilding.
It showcases women who perform remarkable feats of strength.
The competition has an array of individual events, where athletes must compete for the strongest time, maximum weights or the maximum repetitions during a time frame.
Theron says in certain countries, there's still a struggle for women to compete.
"It's quite competitive in international competitions, where in some lineups there will be 50 athletes in a weight category. There's potential for the sport to grow and this is what we want to focus on."
-Brendali Theron, pro strongwoman
Theron says the physical nature of Strongwoman has enormous benefits for her mental health.
But with any sport, it has its fair share of challenges.
Barring the athlete's demanding physical regime, it takes immense discipline and motivation to keep going.
"I've grown up taking inspiration from my brother who did the Paralympics. I'm privileged to know that I have abilities that people would kill for. My coaches keep pushing me and driving me. And there's my personality - I'm hardheaded when it comes to any goals I set."
-Brendali Theron, pro strongwoman
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