Precious Mckenzie Strength

Aspiring to be a circus acrobat, I developed a passion for weightlifting. During the era of apartheid, I was told I couldn’t become a professional weightlifter because of my race and colour. They defied me. So I set out to prove them wrong. You’re not what you are but what you want to be.

I was told I could only travel and compete with coloured athletes when I was in South Africa, but I turned my frustration into inspiration. I put my mind to building myself physically, and mentally, to compete with the sport’s best. Self-belief is so important; believing ‘I can do it!’ To achieve you have to really want it. There are people who will look at a situation and just feel defeatist. You have to prepare yourself for what you want to do, and know that things won’t come easy. Although I became the best lifter in my weight class in South Africa, apartheid prevented me from competing internationally. So I went to live in England, where I worked in a shoe factory before eventually being granted citizenship. I went on to complete a physical education degree, and win gold at the 1966, 1970 and 1974 Commonwealth Games for England. During the ’74 Games in Christchurch, I became enamoured with New Zealand and decided to settle here. I represented my new country at the 1978 Commonwealth Games – winning my fourth straight gold.

Strength can only come from sheer determination. You have to be all in, there are no half measures, Challenge what’s considered the norm. At 78, I believe there’s no such thing as getting old. Trusting in yourself and never believe there is nothing you can’t do. My career has required many small steps, and leaps over hurdles. Even in the most difficult times, I never gave up – all because of willpower.