Dimond Roofing Backs Home-Grown Talent: Luca Kerkhof Shines on the World Stage

Dimond Roofing Proud to Sponsor Luca Kerkhof at World Sub-Junior & Junior Powerlifting Championships

Dimond Roofing is proud to have stood behind local powerlifter Luca Kerkhof as he represented New Zealand at the World Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships, held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Competing against some of the best young lifters in the world, Luca put in a standout performance — highlighted by a 310kg deadlift, breaking a personal ceiling he'd been stuck under for two years.

"There's something different when you know you're competing against the best in the world," Luca said. "But for me the biggest moment was when I pulled my final deadlift at 310kg, because it was a ceiling I'd been stuck at for two years. When I finally broke it, it was such an incredible feeling."

For Luca, wearing the silver fern is something he doesn't take for granted. "Representing New Zealand and wearing the silver fern is something I could've only dreamt of as a kid, and to be able to do that for the second time this year was nothing less than euphoric," he said. "Through all the hard training sessions and late nights, to see it pay off once you step on the platform is an experience I'll never forget."

For Dimond Roofing, backing Luca wasn't just about putting a logo on a lifter's kit — it's about who we are as a brand. Dimond has long believed that strong communities are built by the people in them: the athletes who put in the early mornings, and the local businesses willing to back that journey.

"We love supporting achievers who represent our community with pride," Damien Sauni, General Manager, Dimond Roofing, said. "Luca's dedication to his sport is exactly the kind of story we want to be part of. Whether it's roofing over people's homes or backing the people who make our communities strong, Dimond is all about building things that last — and that includes people."

Luca said the sponsorship played a real role in getting him to the competition. "Being a uni student, getting money is hard enough as it is, let alone affording a trip for sport across the other side of the world. With Dimond's help I was able to cover my flights to Johannesburg and my accommodation for the competition. Having financial support from a company that genuinely wants to back me — on top of support from family and friends — is something that's pretty hard to find in New Zealand sport, so I'm really grateful."

Luca isn't done yet. He's eyeing the 2027 IPF World Junior & Sub-Junior Powerlifting Championships in China, with a top-five finish and more New Zealand records in his sights, ahead of his final year as a junior in 2028.

"Thank you, Dimond Roofing, for helping and supporting my journey as a young New Zealand athlete," Luca said.

Dimond Roofing congratulates Luca on his performance in South Africa and looks forward to continuing to support him — and other local achievers — as they chase their goals on the world stage.