The Sunday Mail
A SHOULDER injury makes Zimbabwean bodybuilding king Champion Chienderamwano a major doubt for the Arnold Classic Africa competition set for South Africa in May.
The injury is not “exactly new” and is one the reigning Mr Zimbabwe has been carrying since 2011. Chienderamwano (28) had somehow found the drive to continue with his heavy hitter approach in the in the gym despite the injury but it all went wrong at the beginning of January.
The shoulder he had nursed for nearly five years gave in and probably swept away his chances of taking to the stage at a competition hosted by celebrated actor, bodybuilder and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger. The competition will be staged at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from May 27 to 29.
“You know I am a Christian and my belief is deep but I don’t think I will be able to make this competition,” said Chienderamwano from his Botswana base last week.
“I have had this injury since 2011 but up until the beginning of this year I was able to train through the pain barrier but that is not the case anymore. I visited the doctors and they told me my shoulder has serious muscle strains and needs time to recover.
“I have just started some light workouts after a couple of weeks of inactivity and there is no way I will be able to work my way back to optimum level between now and the competition dates.
Champion Chienderamwano
“Yes others would have chosen to go and make history by just taking part in the inaugural Arnold Classic Africa but that is not how Champion does business … I am a winner and every competition I enter into the intention is always the same, winning.”
Chienderamwano, who also holds the Iron Man and Muscleman crowns, was last month named as part of a strong Zimbabwe team alongside Isaac “Sugar” Chimuchenga, Tawanda Choga, Vincent Kandiyero and Tari Chirume among other hulks. National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness spokesperson Quiet Shangai said they would keep an eye on Chienderamwano before making a call.
“He hasn’t communicated with us but now that we are aware of his injury we will keep our eyes on him and see how things unfold. We will then make a decision after careful assessment.
“However, as a federation we don’t believe in sending athletes , who are not 100 percent fit, into competitions hence there is no way Champion will be in the team when he feels not up to the task,” he said.
Team Zimbabwe for Arnold Classic
Senior Men Bodybuilding: Garikayi Mujuru, Lovemore Munyamana, Tawanda Choga, Isaac Chimuchenga, Blessing Samaringa, Edison Marondera, Blessing Nyapimbi, Ndumiso Dhlodhlo, Vincent Kandiyero, Matthew Humphreys, Champion Chienderamwano, Tarirai Chirume and Brighton Mazikana.
Men’s Physique: Simbarashe Godwin Mhaka, Josh Rowe and Crofton Murombo.
Junior Men Bodybuilding: Michael Shonhiwa and Ray Mtandiri.
Women Physique: Regina Jonga
Women Body Fitness: Mehgan Shadwell, Barbara Jambga, Hellen Costa and Precious Mujuru.
Women Bikini Fitness: Sally Lapage and Lowise Patricia Lawson.
Model Search: Demmi Michaela, Dianne Millenium and Ramora Fransch.
