EVEN Chuck Norris fears local super strongman Zane Dene Ison.
Forty-five-year-old Iron Ison from Meerensee’s cryptonite is his wife Juanese, son Hanré and daughter Skylar.
When not lifting cars and pulling trucks, Ison works as the owner/director of ZDI Mechanical Solutions.
The big man enjoys fishing and game drives on his days off.
But its his impressive resumé that gives him a reputation of moving mountains. This includes Zululand’s Strongest Man 2011 title, South Africa’s Strongest Man Challenge 2011-2013, a World Championship title and recently four world records at the GPC World Weightlifting Championships in Hungary.
This is impressive as the gentle giant only took up the sport at age 41.
Having started power lifting in May this year, Ison is on track to an impressive career.
He trains five times a week, 2 to 3 hours a day. He trains all areas of his body during his intense gym sessions.
His role model is Zydrunas Savickas and he fears getting hurt before a competition.
Ison regrets getting into the sport at such a late stage in his life.
When it comes to setting goals, Ison literally raises the bar. He aims at bettering his records and participating in the USA and Australian power lifting championships. He has been invited to the USA championship in Dallas, Texas in January.
Dedication, determination and family support is what has helped him reach these heights.
‘Never give up and never ever let anyone take away your determination,’ is his motto.
‘It’s not about being perfect, it’s about effort and dedication, and when you implement that effort into your life every single day, that’s when transformation happens.’
Satisfaction after every gym session and competing amongst his fellow team-mates Frank Janse van Rensburg, Freddie Snyman and Francois Kruger is what motivates him.
The big man’s advice proves wise. Do not let sport change who you are. You should be doing it for yourself and for the love of it.
One highlight that will always stick out for him, is obtaining the World Champion title and four world records.
