The sky’s the limit for Phia-Mare Phillips, who celebrated a trio of silver medals won during her debut performance at the African Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Marrakech, Morocco, last week.
The Strand local overcame trials and tribulations just to get herself to the competition due to struggles with sponsorships, aside from testing positive on a PCR test just as she was about to depart.
“I really thought I wasn’t going, but took another test the next day, which showed a negative result. I was so stressed and anxious as this was the biggest competition I’ve ever participated in.”
She is proud of her performance as she had given it her all and the best of her capabilities.
Phillips made four out of six lifts successfully in the 81 kg division, falling painfully short in one lift each in the snatch category and clean-an-
Weightlifting South Africa also congratulated Phillips on her remarkable results and for representing the country with so much pride.
Phillips described Morocco is a beautiful country, where she made many friends and enjoyed touring all the landmarks. “The experience has just been so memorable for me and I wish I could’ve stayed longer. I would just like to thank everyone who has supported me through words of encouragement and donations. I really couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you to my family and friends for always supporting me and having my back,” the humble athlete said.
It was also her last time competing in the junior categories as the 20-year-old will now compete in the senior categories in future.
Phillips returned from Morocco on Friday (30 September) and is already preparing for the next competition.
