Meet the Knickelbeins – a quiet family lifting their way to world records, united by powerlifting, faith and an extraordinary bond forged through shared strength.
The Knickelbein family are not the sort of people who seek attention. They are quiet, private and deeply grounded. Yet step into a powerlifting competition arena and you will find Kevin, Sherril and their teenage son, Daniel, standing confidently on the platform, representing South Africa and breaking world records together.
Based in Monteseel, Inchanga, the trio recently walked away from the World Powerlifting Championships in Durban with gold medals and multiple national and world records across their respective categories. Next year promises to be just as demanding, with a regional meet in March, nationals in June and hopes of selection for the African Powerlifting Championships in September 2026.
While powerlifting may not appeal to everyone, the Knickelbeins’ story goes far beyond heavy weights. It is about family, faith, discipline and the courage to change.
Four years ago, life looked very different. Kevin, now 52, was working long hours in hot, high-pressure environments as a range officer and firearm training instructor. The stress was affecting his health. Sherril, now 50, was juggling work as a receptionist and company secretary while worrying about her husband’s wellbeing and her son’s struggles at school. Daniel, then 12, had lost interest in karate after achieving his junior black belt and was finding school increasingly difficult.
“We were physically and mentally overstretched,” Sherril says. “We needed something to change.”
That change came unexpectedly when Kevin noticed a powerlifting gym while working on a new business venture. What began as a way to get fitter soon became something far more meaningful.
“Everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you have made,” the family says. “If you want a different result, make a different choice.”
Kevin started training first. Sherril joined a few months later, initially confined to circuit training while impatiently watching others lift. Daniel followed after, shy and uncertain at first, and soon found his place under the guidance of coach Tarynne Cass at The Natural Way Gym at the bottom of Botha’s Hill.
Powerlifting suited Daniel perfectly. Unlike karate, there were no routines to memorise, only technique, discipline and a clear goal. It was during this time that Tarynne gave him the nickname ‘Mighty Mouse’, a name he proudly carries today.
“Powerlifting taught me about sacrifice, discipline and determination,” Daniel says. “It is worth it when you lift a weight you couldn’t move before.”
Now 17 and in Grade 11 at Roseway Waldorf School, Daniel balances early mornings, school, training sessions, drumming practice and homework. His ambition is clear. He is working towards becoming the strongest teen powerlifter in the world, and already holds multiple national and world records in his weight and age category.
The Knickelbeins train six days a week for 90 minutes, carefully structuring sessions around work, school and family life. Kevin trains at 5am, often with Daniel, while Sherril trains in the afternoons. Saturdays are spent training together and Sundays are reserved for church and family time.
Their programme is demanding and precise, focusing on squats, bench press, deadlifts and carefully selected accessory work. Safety is always prioritised.
“Don’t ego lift,” Kevin says. “Follow the programme and respect the process.”
Injuries have been part of the journey, including muscle tears and setbacks just before competitions. Each required patience and restraint, lessons that proved just as valuable as physical strength.
“You have to listen to your coach and allow your body to heal,” Kevin says. “It is hard watching others lift when you cannot, but patience is part of this sport.”
Despite stereotypes, the family describes the powerlifting community as supportive and welcoming.
“People think powerlifters are aggressive,” Sherril says. “In reality, they are kind, encouraging and always willing to help.”
As a family, powerlifting has strengthened their bond. They share goals, conversations and routines, from training schedules to meal preparation. Healthy eating, consistency and patience have become part of everyday life. Perhaps most importantly, the sport has built confidence.
“We were a shy family,” Sherril says. “This forced us out of our comfort zones and made us braver.”
Faith also plays a central role in their journey.
“Standing on the platform, representing South Africa, is overwhelming,” Kevin says. “We give all the glory to our Lord Jesus. Without His will, none of this would be possible.”
As they prepare for the regional meet this month, the focus is on correct form and enjoyment rather than chasing big numbers. Nationals and the African championships remain the longer-term goals.
Their dreams reflect their grounded approach to success. Kevin wants to stay strong and compete for as long as possible. Sherril hopes to inspire other women her age to start lifting. Daniel dreams of becoming the top powerlifter in the world.
As a family their goal is simple – to keep lifting together.
The Knickelbeins did not start young, fit or confident. They started tired, uncertain and overwhelmed.
“It is never too late for change,” they say. “Never say you can’t. Always try first.”
Their story is not just about powerlifting. It is about choosing growth over fear, consistency over comfort and family over everything else. And perhaps that is the greatest strength they have built.
Strength starts at home
You do not need a gym or a barbell to start building strength. These simple, beginner-friendly exercises use everyday household items and can be done at your own pace.
Tinned-food goblet squat
Hold one or two tins close to your chest, with feet shoulder-width apart. Sit back into a squat, then stand tall.
Benefits: Improves leg strength, posture and confidence.
Chair squats
Sit down on a chair and stand back up slowly and with control.
Benefits: Ideal for beginners and excellent for building knee strength.
Grocery bag deadlifts
Fill reusable shopping bags with tins or bottles. Hold one in each hand, hinge at the hips and stand up tall.
Benefits: Strengthens the back, glutes and grip.
Wall push-ups
Place your hands against a wall, keep your body straight, lower yourself towards the wall, then press away.
Benefits: Builds upper body strength without excessive strain.
Laundry basket carries
Carry a loaded laundry basket from one room to another, keeping your posture upright.
Benefits: Engages the core and helps relieve stress.
A tip from the Knickelbeins: Focus on good form, breathe steadily and stop before exhaustion. Strength is built gradually and safely.
