SA weightlifter Alexandra Mundell always aims high

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s Alexandra Mundell is a triple threat who never leaves a competition without silverware, or with the audience in awe of her performance.

The dancer, powerlifter and weightlifter brought home three bronze medals from the 2024 Africa Senior Weightlifting Championship in Egypt.

“I am so grateful to have had such a wonderful experience at the Africa Champs. I loved every second and learnt so much. The medals serve as a reminder of the trip and experience but don’t mean much more to me. My weight class was small, so there were only three of us competing. I did manage to snatch the same weight as the lifter who came second and if I had landed all of my lifts, I could’ve come second overall. That excites me, as it serves as an incentive to keep pushing and come back stronger,” said Mundell.

Competing in the 55kg category, Mundell won bronze in the snatch with 74kg, in the Clean and Jerk she lifted 85kg and bagged an overall bronze medal for lifting 159 kg.

“I love how technical weightlifting is, and I have a lot of technical errors to improve on and a lot of strength to build if I want to continue to improve and compete internationally. I am excited for the work that lies ahead and to just enjoy the journey. I think the thing that I need to work on the most is mindset. It’s a constant work in progress.”

Team South Africa brought home seven bronze medals from the competition with Mundell and her teammate Anneke Spies bagging three each.

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“Getting to compete internationally in weightlifting for the first time, was a big goal of mine, so I am so grateful to have gotten to experience that this year already. I would love to compete internationally again this year if I am able to hit the qualifying totals and find the necessary funding.”

The athlete who competes in the 55kg category tells Eyewitness News that she feels very new to weightlifting and wants to get more experience in the sport

“I think sport teaches us so many life lessons. It constantly humbles us and reminds us to be grateful for our victories and losses. At the end of the day, competing is a privilege and getting to train every day is truly where the love lies. I am constantly learning how to navigate the highs and lows of training, to think, but not overthink and to enjoy the process.”