A TRIBUTE OF THE LATE SIR HUBERT MONTGOMERY (OOM MONTY)

An icon of South African Weightlifting has died.

The South African Weightlifting Federation wish to extend its deepest sympathy to his wife, Hester Montgomery and their five children with the passing of a husband, father and grandfather, Hubert Montgomery. Hubert was fondly called “Oom Monty” by everyone who knew him.

Hubert was born on 17 June 1932 and has passed on Sunday afternoon 2 August 2026 in his sleep at the age of ninety-four. In the world of Weightlifting, particularly in South Africa, Hubert has played a major role in the activities of the South African Weightlifting Union and later (1990) in the South African Weightlifting Federation (SAWF). He was more than a coach. He was a mentor and father to many. One can say that he was the heartbeat of the South African Weightlifting Federation since he was so passionate about the sport.

At this time, we honour a person who was a true pillar in the weightlifting community of South Africa. In 1963 he was awarded his Springbok colours when he represented South Africa at the World Weightlifting Championships in Stockholm. At these championships, he achieved the 11th position. After winning the South African Weightlifting title in 1964 and 1965, he became involved in administering the sport. In 1981 through 1987 he was the president of the South African Weightlifting Union as well as a National Referee.

UNWAVERING DEDICATION
Hubert spent countless hours in the chalk dust, fine tuning the technique and building confidence. At the same time, he was chairing meetings, debating life changing topics in the interest of the sport. The late Hubert and his friend, the late Paddy Nash were part of the delegation which held unity-talks, way back in 1990-1991 with the South African Weightlifting, Bodybuilding and Powerlifting Federation. Out of these unity-talks the South African Weightlifting Federation (SAWF), as we know it, was established on 14 September 1991 and, South Africa was readmitted into international weightlifting into organisations such as the Weightlifting Federation of Africa (WFA), Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation (CWF) and International Weightlifting Federation
(IWF).
In March 1998, he obtained his International Technical Official Category 1 license-the first after re-admission. To those of you who are unfamiliar with the sport, this license entitled him to serve as a technical official at All weightlifting competitions including the World Championships and Olympic Games.

The development of the sport was very close to his heart. As Director of Development in the late 90’s to 2000’s, the sport has grown tremendously. Schools were visited and new clubs were formed all over South Africa. From these clubs and of course the more established clubs, South Africa produced lifters who could compete on the continent of Africa as well as the Commonwealth.

CHASING PERFECTION
Oom Monty taught us that success is built on the platform through discipline, patience and hard work. Because of his hard work and discipline, he was elected to the Executive Board of Africa and referee at international
Weightlifting Competitions.

INCLUSIVE LEADER
Because of his passion for development, one can say that Hubert was an inclusive leader and has professed it where-ever he went. He believed in broadening the base of weightlifters so as to ensure a higher pinnacle. And so, one can say that he worked just as well with nervous beginners lifting empty bars to elite lifters loading up plates. Each one, irrespective of their level he respected equally. KNIGHTED AS “SIR” in May 2012 he was knighted as “Sir” Hubert Montgomery for his contribution to South African society through sport, and weightlifting in particular.

CLOSING AND LEGACY
The true legacy of the late Hubert Montgomery cannot be measured in terms of barbels, trophies and medals or national records. No, it is found in the grit, guts and determination he exhibited because of his belief system. He defied the sports policy of the then apartheid government because this policy has led to the expulsion of South African Sport and Weightlifting in particular, from the Weightlifting Federation of Africa, the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation as well as the International Weightlifting Federation.

The late Hubert Montgomery showed us that weightlifting isn’t just about lifting weights, it’s about mastering your mind and elevating each other. Thank you for raising the bar for us, standing by us and believing in us. Rest in peace, Sir Hubert Montgomery. Rest in peace Oom Monty. Your legacy will remain.