Having represented South Africa on the international stage multiple times, the African Weightlifting Championships in Egypt this week and the All Africa Games in Ghana next month are yet more feathers in the cap of local strongman Jon-Antohein Phillips.
The Strand local previously represented the country twice at the Youth and Junior Games, and this will be his second African Championships in the senior category.
The 23-year-old also competed at the Commonwealth Championships in Birmingham, UK in 2022 (“Jon-Antohein lifts for gold”, DistrictMail, 21 March 2022).
“I had to work hard following an injury last year, but I believe I am now back to my best,” said Phillips on the sidelines of a training session last Thursday (1 February).
The championships were held in Tunisia last year, and Phillips finished fifth overall in the 73 kg division.
This time, though, he will compete in the 81 kg division.
“Last year’s championships really exposed me to a much higher level of competition,” he said.
“African athletes are very strong and determined, and I trust everything I learnt will help me at this year’s event. I’m aiming for a top-four finish and particularly want to focus on my strengths in the clean-and-jerk category, as I feel this is where I can make the most impact and I am most confident.
“I’m still not where I want to be in the snatch category, but hopefully I will improve. I’m still in awe of the fact that I am now competing against athletes I used to watch on TV as a youngster.
“It’s surreal and so worth all the hard work, sacrifices and effort I’ve put in to make it to this point.”
Phillips has been lifting weights since age 12, and is currently being coached by Lyle du Plooy, a former competitor with decades of experience. He works as a clerk in the finance department of the City of Cape Town.
Finding the balance among studies, work and training has been a challenge, and together with an injury last year proved a difficult time.
Phillips left for Egypt on Friday 2 February, and will compete today (Wednesday 7 February). Upon his return, Phillips will have a short time to prepare for the 13th African Games in Ghana.
