It will be her first time on an aeroplane, her first international competition and her first time outside the country when Strand weightlifter Phia-Mare Phillips attends the Africa Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Morocco this week.
Mere months ago, the 19-year-old was crowned best woman champion of champions and best woman junior at the South African Youth and Junior Championship, stating at the time that she would give it her all to qualify for the African junior championships (“Phia dominates youth nationals”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 13 July).
“It’s my last year as a junior, so I really want to compete the best I can, and I’m really so excited,” exclaimed Phillips, who had battled hurdles before confirming her participation.
A shortage of funds due to a lack of sponsorships was the initial challenge, which she admitted was a real struggle, and then she had to cancel her flight when the competition was postponed to later dates.
“My family and friends have really come through for me, supporting my fundraising campaign, and I am really so grateful to each of them.”
The competition will be held in the city of Casablanca from Saturday 24 to Friday 30 September. “It was really stressful, because I thought I was going to miss out on possibly the biggest competition of my life,” Phillips recalled.
“It’s also the first time I was chosen for the African championships, so I was praying and wishing that things would turn out in my favour, and I’m so happy it did!”
Despite being knocked out with a minor case of the flu this week, Phillips is hard at training and mentally preparing for the competition.
“For me, it’s not just about my performance on the day, but the value of the overall experience and broadening my horizons in the weightlifting arena,” she said.
Phillips said she will continue making strides in the sport she loves by focusing on qualifying for international competitions, especially when she returns from Morocco and takes up a new category in the seniors division.
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To assist with sponsorships, contact Phia-Mare Phillips on 071 602 8442.
