Rising to the Challenge

As sporting events across the country face cancellation, one of Grace's own stellar sportsmen, Kyle Munyard, is rising to the challenge to keep his training, study and lifting goals on track. 

On a chilly August weekend in Toowoomba, Grace student Kyle Munyard took part in the 2020 QLD State Weightlifting Championships, picking up a well-deserved silver medal in his U15s weight division.

Representing his club, Bribie Island Movement, Kyle put in an awesome effort, obtaining a 128kg total with his 50kg snatch and 78kg clean and jerk.

Although I was happy with my results as I was still able to achieve a bodyweight clean and jerk, I was slightly disappointed as I had set a goal of a 55kg snatch and a 80kg clean and jerk. 

The COVID-19 era has seen the cancelation of most sporting competitions across the country, so it was no surprise that QLD Championships drew large numbers this year with lots of talent keen to get back into competition.

When asked what impact the break in regular competition has had on his training, Kyle confirmed it had impacted all competitors in that they were not being able to prepare in the usual way, but that everyone had to adapt this year.
 
I’ve been training for States Titles since the beginning of quarantine. I do train all year round though as I normally compete in several competitions throughout the year, with the ultimate aim being to reach Nationals. This year though, due to COVID, the Australian Weightlifting Federation have cancelled Nationals. I usually train 3 days a week with each session being roughly around an hour and a half. During quarantine, I was unable to train at my club, so had to continue my program at home. 

The former Caboolture campus Sport Coordinator, Cameron West-McInnes, said Kyle’s effort in a disrupted year demonstrated excellent traits and is confident his results are only going to improve.

Kyle did exceptional well at the Championships and we’re very proud of his efforts. Weightlifting is an extremely individual sport in many respects. Training at one’s club is important, the teammates around you help lift you during training. Young competitors thrive off that. Having to take your training into your home garage and remove that support is tough. At 15 years of age, to take that responsibility on and get a silver medal is a great attribute and something that will stand him in good stead for the future.

With local competitions likely to be affected for the foreseeable future, Kyle is not going to let the lack of competitions impact his training and lifting goals, with the All Schools Championships in November in his sights for a personal best.

My next competition is the All Schools Championships in November. I’m hoping to exceed my goal of 55kg and 80kg this time round. Apart from that competition, I’m unfortunately not participating in many more unless restrictions for COVID ease and we have a club completion for the end of year. 

To follow Kyle’s journey, visit our Grace Lutheran College Facebook and Instagram accounts.