A 19-year-old University of the Western Cape student is defying stereotypes in powerlifting, proving that extraordinary strength comes in small packages.
Carmel Roberts, Institutional Advancement at UWC writes: Joshua Jantjies, a first-year Nursing Science student, has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most promising young powerlifters despite his small stature. The teenager can lift three times his own body weight and has already claimed major titles, including the 2025 South African National Junior Powerlifting Champion and Western Cape Champion.”
According to Roberts, Jantjies’ journey into powerlifting began through sibling rivalry. “My brother actually started powerlifting, and like most brothers, we always try to be stronger than each other,” he said. “So I joined as well. That’s how the journey began.”
Before discovering powerlifting, Jantjies spent most of his time on the rugby field, where strength training was simply part of the sport. What started as friendly competition with his brother quickly evolved into something much bigger.
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The teenager’s decision to study nursing was influenced by a deeply personal experience. His mother passed away after battling cancer whilst he was in Grade 11. “That experience made me want to work in hospitals and help people who are going through difficult circumstances. My family also has a medical background, so nursing felt like the right path for me.”
According to Roberts Rebecca Engelbrecht, Jantjies’ coach, first met him at the Western Province Championships last year. What she discovered surprised her: “Most people who reach Joshua’s level have had professional coaching for years. Joshua had never even followed a proper powerlifting programme before we started working together.”
Once structured training was introduced, his progress was remarkable. “Joshua is an incredibly driven individual. If he keeps going the way he is now and maintains the right mindset, he can go really far,” Engelbrecht said.
Roberts mentioned behind Jantjies’ success is his father, Shawn Jantjies, who has supported his athletic pursuits. “He has covered each and every one of my expenses and has accompanied me to the majority of my tournaments, even cooking for me at competitions,” Joshua said.
Now a national and provincial record holder, Jantjies is preparing to represent UWC at the South African National Powerlifting Championships on 19 March 2026, continuing to demonstrate that strength is defined by determination, not size.
