Latest news with #NorthcliffHighSchool
The Citizen
05-08-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Tyrell Stewart does the heavy lifting and needs some light help
Olympic weightlifter Tyrell Stewart has been selected to represent South Africa in the U17 men's 65kg category at the Commonwealth Youth and Junior Championships to be held in India from August 24-30. It was a mixture of heavy lifting, hours spent in the gym, and the mindset to always do better that helped guide the way for him to this ultimate show of glory. Read more: Is it safe for children to lift weights? His coach Steve Kafang, who couldn't be any prouder of him, said weightlifting is a sport that requires high skill to be able to perform well. 'This year was a big year for us,' he said. It all began with Tyrell's first competition in February, where, while performing the snatch as well as the clean and jerk, he lifted a collective 144kg. The second competition of the year, held in June, was the Gauteng Championships. There, while still performing the snatch and clean and jerk, with a body weight of 62.4kg, Tyrell lifted a sum of 158kg. 'This was built up to the performance at the SA Championships,' explained Kafang. Held in the Western Cape in July, the SA Championships also saw nothing but the best from this Northcliff High School learner. There, lifting in his second attempt at the snatch, he achieved his Personal Best. All in all, Tyrell ended the competition having lifted a total of 162kg, a performance that ultimately led to him being made Champion of Champions. The title makes him the best athlete in the country in the U17 category. To show the world his prowess, he is asking for the community's help to assist in sending him to India to compete in the Commonwealth Youth and Junior Championships at the end of this month. 'This is a dream come true and my first international competition and a huge step in my journey as an athlete,' said Tyrell. Help Tyrell take a snatch at his dreams by following this Back a Buddy link: Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Tyrell Stewart shows his strength
At just 17, Tyrell Stewart is showing his strength in the South African weightlifting scene. Read more: How to manage your gym change room time like a boss Representing Northcliff High School, he competed in the Gauteng Championships, walking away with the gold in the male U17 67kg category. He managed a combined total lift of 158kg, making up a solid 70kg and an 88kg clean and jerk, all while weighing in at 62kg. Describing the feeling as surreal, Tyrell moved up a weight class since last year, and after just one meet, he ranked third nationally in his division. Tyrell said that he picked up his first barbell at the age of 11, with the help of his coach Steve Kafang, in crafting his game plans. Also read: Build a home gym this winter for a hot summer body In the build-up to the competition, Tyrell gradually increased his weights without exerting his body. 'The week before, we dialled it down, that's what we call a 'deload', it helps me recover, and stay sharp. Honestly, though, it is the mental game that is tough; you cannot let it go to your head.' He said that weightlifting was not just about winning, but about what it taught him along the way. 'This sport has taught me that you get out what you put in. There's always going to be someone stronger.' Tyrell added that there was always room to improve to push oneself when lifting, whether at training or in a competition, and that was when he felt like himself. With the South African Youth and Junior Championships around the corner in July, he is setting his sights on an even bigger podium, expressing that he has 'real shot' at doing well, and just needs to stay focused. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Gym theft on the rise At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Northcliff High MMA prodigy strikes gold and hearts
From the gym mats of his family's grappling academy, to the international stage, Caleb Swart's journey is a story of will. The Northcliff High School student recently seized the spotlight by winning a gold medal in the youth A welterweight 77.1kg division at the prestigious International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Africa Championships in Angola this past May. Read more: Judo star's strength and skill rewarded But for Caleb, this victory is far more than a medal; it's a milestone on a path he has been walking steadily since childhood. Guided by his father and coach, Wiekus Swart, Caleb's training regime is intense and disciplined, spanning five to six hours most days of the week, and blending strength, fitness, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai. 'We spar daily, grapple, and drill a variety of MMA techniques,' Caleb shared. Yet amidst the grind, there's a heartfelt dedication. 'This gold medal confirms that all the hard work and dedication I've put in is paying off. It motivates me to focus even more on the world championships in Abu Dhabi in July.' Also read: Seido Karate Johannesburg student shows her moves MMA has been a cornerstone of Caleb's life since he was five years old. Growing up immersed in a family environment where Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA were part of everyday life, he embraced the sport, not just as a competitor, but as a source of confidence and life lessons. 'MMA has taught me that discipline and focus truly pay off. In the cage, there's very little luck. What you put in is what you get out.' His love for the sport was first sparked when he watched his father referee EFC matches on TV, and later, through the exhilaration of attending events, meeting fighters, and even assisting backstage. 'I've always been incredibly physical and love activities where I can express that energy. MMA felt like the perfect fit.' Now, with the world championships and beyond in his sights, he is forging a path of greatness, dominating on the mat. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Faith – the judo warrior
