JOHANNESBURG – At just 19 years old, Weightlifter Trumble has already carved out a promising path in the world of Olympic weightlifting. After winning two gold medals at the 2025 South African National Championships in the junior division, Jonathan Trumble is now setting his sights on the senior ranks, determined to build on his early success and represent South Africa on the international stage.
Trumble’s journey into the sport began in an unconventional way — through CrossFit, a training method known more for general fitness than for producing Olympic-level lifters. But it didn’t take long for his talent to shine through.
“I first got into weightlifting through CrossFit,” Weightlifter Trumble told Eyewitness News. “My coach at the time noticed I had a natural ability and encouraged me to focus on it. For a few years, I balanced both CrossFit and weightlifting, but in 2023 I made the full switch. That decision changed everything.”
In just four months of weightlifting-specific training, Weightlifter Trumble qualified for and medaled at the 2023 Commonwealth Championships, securing third place in his division. The quick ascent confirmed he was on the right path.
Weightlifter Trumble Reflects on Journey from CrossFit to International Podiums
Fast forward to 2025, and Weightlifter Trumble returned to the Commonwealth platform in Ahmedabad, India, where he stepped one spot higher on the podium.
“I was really happy with my performance. I placed second overall in the Junior 71kg division,” Trumble said. “It was a bit bittersweet because I missed gold by just 2kg. But that just motivates me to train harder. I ended with a 112kg snatch and a 150kg clean & jerk.”
Despite the near-miss, Trumble is proud of how far he’s come in such a short time. His rapid improvement signals not only raw talent but also the discipline and work ethic necessary to compete at elite levels.
Trumble is also candid about the challenges of training in a country where Olympic weightlifting remains underfunded and lacks infrastructure.
“The South African Weightlifting Federation is doing what it can with limited resources, but there isn’t much funding or support for the sport here,” Trumble explained. “Overseas, the sport is taken more seriously—with better equipment, coaching, and facilities. I’d love to see an official weightlifting center built in South Africa that could host competitions and bring more exposure to the sport.”
For now, most of Trumble’s international competitions are self-funded, and he’s calling on sponsors and supporters to help him and other lifters continue to compete globally.
“Any support means a lot—whether it’s financial, following my journey online, or just sending a message. Right now, I’m reaching out to sponsors who want to help me grow not only as an athlete but also help grow South African weightlifting.”
Throughout his journey, Weightlifter Trumble credits his family and close friends for providing emotional support—especially during tough training periods and challenging competitions.
“On hard days, it feels like I’ve got a small army behind me. That support keeps me going.”
In addition to training and competing, Trumble works part-time as an adaptive coach, specializing in weightlifting, gymnastics, and CrossFit. He says coaching others has helped him grow both as an athlete and a person.
One of the biggest lessons he’s learned through weightlifting? Discipline.
“I live by the quote: ‘Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.’ That mindset not only helps in sport, but also in everyday life. It teaches you to stay consistent and focused, even when things get tough.”
Having conquered the junior stage with two gold medals at nationals and a silver at the Commonwealth level, Weightlifter Trumble is ready to tackle the senior division.
“Coming second at the Commonwealth Championships this year was an honor, but I see it as just the beginning. My next goal is to qualify for and compete at the Commonwealth Games in the senior division. It’ll be more competitive, but I’m ready for the challenge.”
Trumble understands that the path ahead won’t be easy. The jump from junior to senior competition brings stronger opponents and higher expectations. But with his rapid progress, strong support system, and deep love for the sport, he’s confident that he can rise to the occasion.
“I want to represent South Africa with pride and help bring more attention to the sport of weightlifting. I believe there’s so much untapped potential here.”
As Weightlifter Trumble continues to train, compete, and inspire a new generation of South African athletes, one thing is clear: his journey is just getting started.
Source- EWN
