Pulling hard for four podium finishes
HOST nation South Africa scooped four medals, including one last won 42 years ago, at the World Tug-of-War Championships.
Defending champs Switzerland came out tops again, followed by China in second place.
SA Tug-of-War Federation president Anton Botha said the competition boasted more than 1 000 competitors from 20 countries, including from Australia, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Nigeria, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, US, Chinese Taipei, China and Zimbabwe.
SA obtained two silver and two bronze medals at the event, hosted at Camps Bay High School.
The silvers came in the U19 520 kilogram mixed category and the U23 500kg women’s division.
Bronze medals went to the U23 600kg men’s team and the 720kg men’s division.
The last time SA won in the latter category was in 1976.
“The positive feedback regarding the World Championships was overwhelming, with several foreigners mentioning that this was “the best ever” World Championships.
“The camaraderie, the friendships across cultural barriers were something special to behold,” Botha said.
Silver medal winner for the U19 520kg mixed category Albert van Zyl said it was an amazing experience to take part in a world championships on home soil.
“All the hard practising, the sweat and tears were worth it. When that medal is hung around your neck, you feel both peace and happiness at the same time.
“We went through tremendous pressure while we were pulling but once you step on to the podium you can finally relax in the knowledge that you gave your best. It was an amazing experience to have been able to take part in the World Championships,” Van Zyl said. |
When that medal is hung around your neck, you feel both peace and happiness Albert van Zyl U19 silver medallist