South African powerlifter Megan Faul recently etched her name into the record books after a standout performance at the World Games in Chengdu, where she broke two South African records and one African record in the women’s super heavyweight division.
Faul, who only entered competitive powerlifting 18 months ago, delivered a commanding total of 545.0kg across her lifts (205.0kg squat, 122.5kg bench press, and 217.5kg deadlift), securing her place among the continent’s strongest athletes. Beyond the numbers, however, the 34-year-old’s journey to China tells a powerful story of resilience, self-belief, and pride in representing her country.
From a Backyard Squat to the World Stage
Faul’s introduction to powerlifting came almost by chance.
“I went to visit friends who were powerlifters. They had a home gym and asked me to try a back squat. I warmed up and built with each lift until I finished on 180kgs. They were so impressed and told me I’d be one of the best South African powerlifters. The rest is history.”
That moment set her on a path that would lead to representing South Africa in Chengdu—something she describes as both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.
Representing South Africa at the World Games
“Representing South Africa on such a huge stage was extremely nerve-wrecking, but at the same time it’s the most fun I’ve had on platform!” Faul reflected.
“What stood out most was how every single athlete was treated like royalty. China hosted the perfect World Games.”
Her performance was more than competitive. By breaking national and continental records, she confirmed her place among Africa’s elite lifters. “It feels amazing,” she said. “I am really so proud of myself.”
Inside the Mind of a Champion
Asked about her mindset when facing big lifts under the lights, Faul explained:
“I’ve learnt to switch off my thoughts during a lift and only focus on the referee and the commands. Because as soon as I start to think, I overthink. By switching off, I leave no room for doubt.”
This mental focus became crucial during her preparation. She admitted that self-belief was her toughest hurdle.
“At the beginning of my World Games prep, I found my spirits very low. I didn’t believe in my own capabilities. I dialled in, took it one training session at a time—sometimes with tears—but I kept showing up. That mental toughness carried me through, and I ended up having the best time on platform.”
Building Strength: Training and Recovery
Her programme in the lead-up to Chengdu was disciplined but balanced.
“I trained three times a week: squats one day, bench and deadlift the next, and then an SBD day with all three lifts. I’m lucky to have an in-house sports massage therapist and also saw a chiropractor every two weeks to keep my body aligned. Nutrition was key—I maximized calories, never skipped meals, and made sure I stayed hydrated.”
This structure enabled her to lift at her best when it mattered most.
Support, CrossFit, and Community
After returning from China, Faul received a warm, vuvuzela-filled welcome from her colleagues. “They give me the time off I need to compete. I work with the most amazing people who have supported me for years.”
Her roots in CrossFit also shaped her foundation. “CrossFit gave me a good base for powerlifting. I was always one of the strongest crossfitters, so I decided to focus on strength training to see how far it would take me. In the last year alone, I’ve competed overseas twice.”
Inspiration and Message to Young Women
For Faul, the biggest inspiration has been her younger self.
“Little Megan. A little girl from a poor upbringing with big dreams. That’s who inspires me most.”
She has a clear message to young South African women:
“Don’t be afraid to be as strong as the boys! Being strong is cool.”
Looking Ahead
Despite her rapid rise, Faul revealed that she is taking a step back from competitive lifting—at least for now.
“Unfortunately, due to a lack of funds I’ve had to step away from powerlifting. For now, I’ll just keep fit and enjoy CrossFit again.”
For an athlete who has already set national and continental records, her short but explosive powerlifting career has left a lasting mark. Whether or not she returns to the platform, her story has already inspired many—and cemented her legacy as one of South Africa’s strongest women.
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