Nicole Hasell, a 23-year-old powerlifting sensation, is smashing records and putting South Africa on the global stage, with 13 national and African records under her belt and a heart set on more.
Pretoria, South Africa (15 October 2024) – South Africans have always been known for their resilience, strength, and ability to rise above challenges. Whether it’s on the rugby field, in the swimming pool, or in a powerlifting arena, we continuously prove we are champions.
And one of these champions is Nicole Hasell, who is not only lifting weights but also lifting the spirits of the entire nation.
At just 23 years old, Nicole has achieved what many only dream of. A powerhouse in the world of powerlifting, she has shattered records and earned a place in the upper echelons of international sport. Since she started competing in 2022, Nicole has set an incredible 3 South African records and a staggering 10 African records, solidifying her place as one of the continent’s top athletes. And Nicole’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. A 5th-year Veterinary Medicine student from Pretoria, she recently returned from competing at the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championships in Malta. There, she took home an impressive 4th place in the deadlift and finished 6th overall in the fiercely competitive Juniors U57kg division. Her achievements aren’t just personal wins – they’re victories for South Africa as a whole.
But Nicole’s success didn’t come overnight. She began her athletic journey as a high-performance gymnast before transitioning into weightlifting and CrossFit. It was here that she found her passion for powerlifting, falling in love with the Squat, Bench, and Deadlift. Her personal bests tell the story of her grit and determination: a 425kg total in the gym and 400kg in competition.
Nicole’s potential is undeniable, and with each lift, she shows the world what it means to push boundaries and break barriers. South African athletes like Nicole make us proud. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, their passion for their craft, and their representation of our country on the global stage fill us with immense pride. Nicole is part of a legacy of South African sportspeople who remind us of the strength that comes from hard work, dedication, and belief in oneself.
However, even champions need support. To continue competing internationally and representing South Africa, Nicole relies on the generosity of her community and those who believe in her journey. By supporting Nicole, you’re not just backing a talented athlete – you’re helping her bring glory to South Africa and inspiring the next generation of champions.
If you’d like to help Nicole keep flying the South African flag high, you can visit her website to make a donation: nicolehasell.co.za/donate.
With 13 records under her belt and an unwavering commitment to her sport, there’s no limit to what she can achieve. Let’s continue to rally behind her, ensuring that her journey is filled with the support and encouragement she so richly deserves.
Cheers to Nicole and to many more victories for South Africa!