A long-awaited dream for the Welkom bodybuilder Frans Hloi to compete on the international stage finally came true when he participated in the World Powerlifting Championship held in Durban between 4 and 9 November.
More than 200 athletes from Australia, France, Great Britain, India, Russia, America, and South Africa participated in this prestigious championship on African soil.
Hloi describes the road to this prestigious event as the most challenging yet exciting journey, filled with valuable lessons and lasting memories.
Requires discipline
“It required tremendous discipline, consistency, strength, and emotional fortitude, whereby I would only sleep two to four hours most nights. Every night I would wake up and work on my lifting calculations, plan subsequent sessions, and correct previous session mistakes.
All the struggles paid off in the end with the best results. Everything from strength, performance, and technique improved during preparation, and I look forward to achieving even greater heights in the future,” he explains.
The perfect squat
Hloi maintains that the highlight of his competition was achieving a perfect 202,5kg squat.
“It has taken me years to reach this milestone. This was followed by completing the bench press and deadlift with 115kg and 217,5kg, respectively.”
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These remarkable achievements secured him first place in his Masters 2 division under 82,5kg bodyweight category, earning him the title of World Powerlifting Champion for the first time.
It has been announced that from 2026, WPC South Africa will officially host the International Annual Event − the WPC African Powerlifting Championships.
This development means that from next year, there will be three major international platforms: the AWPC World Championship, WPC World Championship, and WPC Africa Powerlifting Championship.
Hloi is going to compete at the Summer Bodies event at the Silver Stars Casino, and at the Muscle Mulisha on 6 December at the same casino.
Invited to Mr Universe
He was invited to take part at the Mr and Ms Universe 2025, incorporating Junior Men’s Bodybuilding, Junior Men’s Physique, Junior Classic Physique, Women Bikini, Master Men’s Physique, and Master Bodybuilding.
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Hloi was invited to be a special guest at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, on 19 and 20 December.
Due to lack of funding, Hloi will not be attending this prestigious event.
The achievement of national success represents not only personal triumph for Hloi, but also recognition for South Africa.
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