Ligbron Academy of Technology learner GD Koch represented South Africa at the African Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championships in Mostaganem, Algeria, finishing fourth overall in the 110kg category. Photo: IRA HPC.
Three athletes from IRA High Performance Centre (IRA HPC) have achieved impressive results in weightlifting competitions, including an international championship in Algeria and two events in Mossel Bay.
GD Koch, a learner at Ligbron Academy of Technology in Ermelo, represented South Africa at the African Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championships in Mostaganem, Algeria.
Competing in the 110kg weight category, Koch recorded a 115kg snatch and a 150kg clean and jerk, achieving a combined total of 265kg and finishing fourth overall in his category.
Koch, a Commonwealth bronze medallist, trains at IRA HPC under coach Neill Pieterse.
Gold Medal for Nicole Struwig
Nicole Struwig secured a gold medal in the women's 69kg category at the West Coast Series held in Mossel Bay.
IRA HPC weightlifters Nicole Struwig (left) and Natasha Walsh (right), pictured with Neill Pieterse, celebrate their gold-medal achievements at competitions in Mossel Bay. Photo: IRA HPC.
Struwig recorded lifts of up to 67kg in the snatch and 77kg in the clean and jerk, giving her a combined total of 144kg.
Her victory added another gold medal to IRA HPC's achievements.
Natasha Walsh Crowned SA Champion
Natasha Walsh also delivered an outstanding performance at the South African Weightlifting Championships, held in Mossel Bay on 2 and 3 October 2026.
Competing in the women's 61kg category, Walsh recorded a 63kg snatch and a 78kg clean and jerk, achieving a combined total of 141kg.
Her performance earned her the title of overall South African champion in her weight category.
IRA HPC congratulated all three athletes, recognising their dedication, discipline and commitment to the sport.