Mossel Bay woman fourth at Commonwealth Games

GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Anneke Spies (29), of Mossel Bay, secured a fourth place in the 59kg weightlifting competition at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham yesterday afternoon.

Spies, who is South Africa's only woman weightlifter at the event, missed the bronze medal by 6kg.

Ruben Burger (31), her boyfriend and coach, will compete in the 96kg weightlifting event tomorrow, Tuesday 2 August, at 15:00 (SA time), at the games.

Burger's parents, Hennie and Gerda, also from Mossel Bay, are at the games to support them.

According to Hennie Burger, "It is an indescribable experience to be at the Commonwealth Games and to see more than 5 000 athletes from more than 72 countries walking past you. But the best part was to see the South African team, with Ruben and Anneke walking past!"

Spies manages the Eden Fitness and CrossFit Charisma gym in Mossel Bay, which is owned by Burger.

Hennie and Ruben Burger, Anneke Spies and Gerda Burger at the Commonwealth Games. Photos: Hennie Burger