History was made at the World Powerlifting Championships 2025 when South African junior sensation, Thandi Mokoena, broke a 16-year-old world record, igniting pride and excitement across the nation.
The 19-year-old powerhouse from Johannesburg lifted an astonishing 215 kilograms in the squat category, surpassing the previous record set in 2009. Competing in the Under-63kg Junior Women’s Division, Thandi displayed a perfect blend of strength, technique, and composure that stunned even veteran lifters and international judges.
Her record-breaking performance also earned her the overall gold medal, marking South Africa’s best result in the competition’s history. The crowd at Durban’s ICC Arena erupted in applause as the barbell slammed down, and the scoreboard flashed “NEW WORLD RECORD.”
Speaking after her victory, Thandi said:
“I’ve dreamed of this moment since I first stepped into a gym at 14. Breaking this record isn’t just for me — it’s for every young African girl who believes she’s strong enough to lift her dreams.”
The event brought together over 600 athletes from 45 countries, showcasing the rising global influence of African powerlifting.
South African Powerlifting Federation President, Leon Jacobs, praised Thandi’s performance, calling it “a turning point for the sport in South Africa.”
With her name now etched in the record books, Thandi Mokoena has become a symbol of resilience and determination, inspiring a new generation of lifters across the continent.
