MOSSEL BAY NEWS - After smashing national records in the under 60 kilogram weightlifting category this year, Mossel Bay resident Stephano Reid (32) is set on competing internationally in 2025.
Reid is extremely grateful to sponsors and supporters who helped in his achievements this year. Anyone who wishes to support him in his next quest is welcome to contact this local athlete (081 739 9878), who is determined to fly the Mossel Bay flag high.
International competitions
He notes there are a few international competitions in 2025 and he will know the exact dates soon. One of them is taking place in South Africa in November.
Having the right attitude, a positive mindset and self discipline are Reid's recipe for success, and he knows all about successful recipes, because he is a pastry chef at Café Gannet restaurant in town.
During the Metal Madness Redemption competition on 5 October, hosted at Hein's Gym in Dana Bay, Reid set a new national squat record of 170kg, a new deadlift record of 215kg and achieved a national record total of 477.5 points for his age group and in the under 60kg division.
This total is composed of squat, deadlift and bench press figures.
Ranking
Reid's ranking is the Western Cape number one and the number two in the country in the under 60kg division.
He says: "I've wanted to go to the nationals since I started powerlifting. I was the only competitor from Mossel Bay at the nationals in Johannesburg on 21 September.
"It was a difficult task, a dream I'd been chasing."
Reid noted that there were a few local athletes who qualified for the nationals in Kempton Park, but travel costs and obtaining sponsors was always a challenge.
"I worked hard for it. A few sponsors came on board. I really appreciate their help. It made things a bit easier."
He says: "Powerlifting has disciplined me a lot. If you don't have a schedule, you will go in blind.
"I get up in the morning and drink a glass of water to activate my metabolism."
Balance
His sources of protein include chicken breast and minced beef and he works to maintain a balance of protein and carbohydrates to keep up his energy levels.
He stresses the importance of eating as healthily as possible and including vegetables and fruit in one's diet.
Mornings are his choice for workouts, except for his days off, when he trains in the afternoons.
Reid says: "I'm always full of energy at work because I have done a training session."
When he is finished exercising at a gym in Da Nova, he walks to his place of work in the town centre. He started weightlifting two years ago and then competed in his first competition in 2023.
"I saw an advert about a competition at Hein's Gym and I took part. That is where my vision began.
First competition
"It was my first competition and I finished as the male open winner. Only Mossel Bay locals competed."
Besides his passion for powerlifting, Reid is passionate about his work as a pastry chef.
"I love being in front of an oven," he says.
"It's passion and hard work that have brought me this far," he says.
Some of Reid's specialities are malva puddings, chocolate brownies, red velvet cakes, fridge cheese cakes with berries and granadilla, as well as summer desserts.
Parties
In his spare time he hosts children's birthday parties, where he shows children how to make cakes and he goes to clients' houses to cook for them on special occasions.
"I do that in my free time to keep me busy," Reid says.
"If you don't keep yourself busy, you get into the wrong stuff."
Reid was born in Graaff-Reinet and came to Mossel Bay when he was six years old.
He matriculated at Point High School.
When one remarks on his positive, grateful attitude, his acknowledging the blessings and privileges he experiences, Reid says one should start each day with a smile and be positive.
"You also have to be positive for people around you, who aren't feeling that way."
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