It is with a heavy heart that OWNZ announces the passing of Dr. Giovan Vincent Anthony (Anton) De Croos at age 81. Originally from Sri Lanka, Anton had won multiple National Championships and represented Sri Lanka on the international stage. He later moved to New Zealand where he continued his lifting, claiming National titles here as well.
Outside of his own lifting career Anton coached multiple athletes down in Invercargill, some of whom went on to win National titles of their own. He was the team doctor for the Commonwealth Games weightlifters in both 1974 and 1990. An exceedingly generous man Anton would often front his athlete’s expenses to remove any barriers from competing.
Anton has had a lasting influence on New Zealand weightlifting and he will truly be missed.