Powerlifting couple curls their way to continental champs

Moot couple and trainers at Gym Company Jacaranda, Chantal Valerie Graça-Correia (46) and Michael Forgan Robbins (40), hope to achieve the best curl at the upcoming inaugural AWPC/WPC Africa Congress Powerlifting Championships 2026 taking place in Durban.

Sanctioned by the Amateur and World Powerlifting Congresses, this event will run from September 24–27 at the Onomo Hotel in Stamford Hill.

Graça-Correia and Robbins are fresh off their wins at the SA Championships at the WPC (World Powerlifting Congress) SA Championships for Strict Arm Curl, held in Durban on June 21, to qualify for the African championships.

The couple took first place in their respective categories, with Graça-Correia breaking three previously set records.

“Winning the WPC South African Powerlifting Championships was an unforgettable moment. It was the culmination of months of hard work, consistency, and pushing myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. Knowing that I earned my place among some of the strongest athletes in South Africa makes the achievement even more meaningful,” she said.

Graça-Correia is a late-bloomer in the sport, as she began in her mid-40s after being introduced to powerlifting by her life partner and coach, Robbins, who is a seven-time South African record holder in powerlifting. He has also competed in bodybuilding for many years.

“While I had always admired the sport, it was the Strict Arm Curl that really caught my attention in early 2026. I asked Michael to help me explore my potential, and after assessing my strength, we realised I had a genuine opportunity to qualify for the South African National Championships,” she said.

She said her journey officially began with her debut at the Rise of the Empire Powerlifting National Qualifier in Benoni in February this year.

“What I love most about powerlifting is that it’s a constant challenge to become stronger, not just physically, but mentally as well. The discipline, commitment, and drive to keep improving are what make the sport so rewarding, and every competition pushes me to be a better version of myself,” Graça-Correia said.

“I wish more people knew that powerlifting is a sport for everyone. You don’t have to be built like a professional athlete to compete. Athletes are divided into age and weight classes, so you’re competing against others in a similar category, making the sport both fair and accessible.”

She debunked the common misconception that all powerlifters are big and muscular.

“While many are, the sport is filled with athletes of all ages, body types and backgrounds. One of the biggest lessons powerlifting teaches is that strength doesn’t have a look.

“Strong isn’t defined by size; it’s defined by determination, consistency, and the willingness to challenge yourself. That’s what makes the sport so inclusive and inspiring,” she said.

She hopes to break three African records and win her age and weight class.

In 2027, she aims to expand into the Free Standing Curl discipline in addition to Strict Arm Curl, and one of her biggest goals is to establish an all-women’s powerlifting team.

Robbins said he’s grateful for the win at the SA champs, as it marks his first time competing in the continental champs.

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