The Sunday Mail
Makomborero Mutimukulu in SANDTON, South Africa
HELEN COSTA breezed through the competition to win the Women’s Body Fitness (under 163cm) category at the ongoing Arnold Classic Africa here yesterday.
Costa was country miles ahead of her competition, including compatriot Precious Mujuru who placed fourth. On what turned out to be a fabulous day for Zimbabwe, Regina Jonga won the over 163cm Body Fitness category.
However, her victory was bitter-sweet for the Zimbabwean delegation as she competed under the South African flag.
Speculation was rife that Jonga, who used to work as a maid, would compete for South Africa and there was a palpable sense of loss when the rumours turned out to be true.
“I am happy to have won and hope that fellow Zimbabweans will be happy for me even if I represented South Africa.
It’s one of those things you really do not have control over. If everything was well the situation would not be what it is today. The sponsors come with their own conditions,” said Jonga.
Jonga’s triumph gave Costa some lift.
“I was backstage screaming for her, and when she was announced as the winner I started believing that me and Precious would do well,” said the former Sportswoman of the Year.
“But winning it was shocking, I must admit.
It’s yet to sink in really … right now I am floating somewhere between Heaven and Earth. I went through a lot to be ready for this competition and winning it makes it all worth it.”
ZIBFF president Kenny Murungweni described it as his best day in office to date.
“I am happy with what we have achieved so far, our athletes have to work under difficult circumstances but here they are. As an association we are also happy for Regina, she is still a daughter of the soil and we know that once she turns pro she will revert back to representing Zimbabwe.”The competition enters its final day with all eyes on Mr Zimbabwe Paul Goredema, who is probably in the best shape of his life and is aiming for a “respectable placement”.
