“Sponsorship is One of the Hardest Things I Have Faced” – SA Powerlifter Lindiwe Mchunu

If you don’t know the name Lindiwe Mchunu, it’s time to get familiar with it— a remarkable South African Powerlifter who has just shattered two records at the recent World Classic Open International Powerlifting Federation Championships in Germany. 

Lindiwe broke the South African Deadlift and African Open Bench Press records, which allowed the athlete from KwaZulu-Natal to finish 26th in the women’s 63kg final.

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The ambitious and bubbly Powerlifter shared some precious time with gsport to chat about her recent accomplishments, how she fell in love with the sport, and what she hopes to achieve now that she has tasted triumph on the international stage. 

She also dreams of one day representing the country at the Olympics. Mchunu faces the same difficulties as many women in sport as she is in search of a sponsor to help take some of the financial pressure off so she can concentrate on accomplishing so much more in the sport she adores.

Hello Lindiwe! Please tell me how your powerlifting career began?

Thank you for reaching out to me, I appreciate the opportunity you have given me. I started powerlifting in March 2023. I wanted to compete in a completely different sport that is not popular. I started searching for a club in KwaZulu-Natal, and I managed to find one in Richards Bay.

“I do all this by myself, with no coaching. I am coaching myself and researching on YouTube and Instagram.”

African Open Bench Press Record Holder, Lindiwe Mchunu

I called them and enquired about powerlifting to be specific, and I asked when the competition is and how I join them. The details were given to me, and I started training from there until today. 

What is it about powerlifting that you love?

I love the challenges it brings, I love the skill it brings, I love the technique in it, above all I love the body transformation it brings. Powerlifting is a humble sporting code, it needs attention to detail as you execute exercises. 

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It is so amazing how your body can move, and training transforms you, and you fall in love with your results and of course, your body develops too.

You broke two records recently in Germany, how proud of you for achieving that? 

Well, I feel like calling an urgent meeting for all of South Africa to tell them how happy I am! I am over the moon, it’s a happiness overload and I am super proud of myself. The records remind me of how I came from humble beginnings and that my journey continues. I’m looking forward to more.

What does it mean to you that you can compete at an international level where everyone can see your talent?

Being a Protea athlete is a dream come true on its own. It’s a dream of all athletes to get national colours. Competing internationally means so much to me as it shows I am capable of great heights. I am a hard-working athlete, and I am always improving and reaching new heights. 

It means doors and opportunities are open, and I have to do justice to myself, work hard, and grab what comes my way. This means a lot, and I hope I can motivate other women out there.

You are one of the few women of colour who represents South Africa. What does it mean to you that you are able to be such a representation for girls and women? 

Being the first black female in South Africa to represent my country, especially being from my province of KwaZulu-Natal, means a lot. It means opportunities and doors are wide open for everyone. It’s a matter of putting in the work, following protocol by the federation, and respecting the sports code.

How have you managed to navigate a very male-dominated sport? 

In life, I told myself there’s no sport a man can do I can’t do. It is a matter of understanding the sport, planting passion into it, and learning all about it. You need to understand the principles, rules, codes, commands, training, as well as diet/nutrition in a sport. 

I also humble myself by asking seniors who have been there before me, who know the drills. It’s also important to do research and watch YouTube. You can pick up a thing or two there.

What are your powerlifting career ambitions?

I am looking forward to the Olympics in the near future. I am looking forward to more international competitions to see my level and capability in competing with athletes from different countries against higher standards and top-class athletes. I am ready to put in more work to improve and to smash more records.

What would be your message to young girls and women looking to join powerlifting?

To any girl or woman, never allow people to dictate what you are capable of, and what you can and can’t do. Do justice to yourself and pick up a sport of your choice! A lot will be said, some words will break you down, tear you down, and break your heart. 

“Always believe in yourself and never be swallowed and allow all that negativity to knock you down. You are all beautiful and capable of great things.”

Even if nobody is watching you or supporting you, speak highly of yourself and see a champion in you daily. Spread love to other women, fix each other’s crowns, and stay the course.

What is up next for you?

I have room for improvement and now I want to build on the new records. I  have a new diet to navigate and competitions to prepare for. I intend to do the last international competition towards the end of the year. 

“Getting sponsorship is one of the hardest things I have faced. It is not easy, especially when I have to travel overseas, and that is stressful. There are plenty of financial logistics involved, flights, visas, travel insurance, accommodation, and food.”

That is another thing that has weighed on me, you feel broken, and you seem like you will never make it to the big stage while trying to get things or asking for donations. Powerlifting kit and gear is very specific, and expensive at the same time, if you are not sponsored it’s really difficult.

How stressful is it not to have sponsors to assist with financial stress?

It’s very stressful, it sometimes makes me lose hope if I’ll meet my international shows. It’s draining my energy, especially when I’m preparing for competition.

What message do you have for a potential sponsor who could be able to assist you?

I am an athlete to invest in. I am a hard worker, and I’ll make them seen all over the world that they are a company that reaches out to communities, that plays an important role in helping a South African citizen change their lives through sport. I will be proud to display their logo in all my gear and kit, and on my social media networks.

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Main Photo Caption: Lindiwe Mchunu is calling all sponsors who are keen to back a dedicated, hardworking athlete who is pursuing greatness after breaking the SA Deadlift and African Open Bench Press records in Germany. All Photos: Supplied

Photo 2 Caption: Mchunu broke the South African Deadlift and African Open Bench Press records in Germany.

Photo 3 Caption: The KwaZulu-Natal athlete finished 26th in the women’s 63kg final at the World Classic Open International Powerlifting Federation Champs. 

Photo 4 Caption: “I love the challenges it brings,” says Mchunu. “Powerlifting is a humble sporting code; it needs attention to detail as you execute exercises.”