The Sunday Mail
Andrew Moyo
THE world of bodybuilding is like a jungle where ‘survival of the fittest’ is the motto.
While many people can hit the gym, lift weights, eat the right food and gain pounds of solid muscle, only a few bodybuilders get the opportunity to have a shot at the upper echelons of the sport.
After years of being a dominant figure in the region with nothing more than medals, trophies and fame to celebrate, Regina Jonga finally got her big break back in March, when she secured the coveted World Fitness Federation or WFF Pro Card.
Earning the pro card has put the female bodybuilder in a spot to compete among the elite on the global stage, something she has been craving for years.
Her first shot at the big stage came in June, when she was invited to take part in the 2019 WFF Universe Pro-Am in Seoul, Korea.While she managed to secure a visa to attend the competition, she failed to raise enough funds for the trip and the opportunity ended up flying past.
However, there are two tournaments which are knocking on her doorstep, the NABBA Universe Championships being held on November 2, in the United Kingdom and the WFF World Championships Pro-Am set for November 9 and 10 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Jonga is eligible to take part in both tournaments, but says competing in at least one of them would be enough if funds permit.
“Since getting my pro card in March, I have not been able to participate in any pro tournament because of funding, but I am hoping that I can go and compete either in the UK or Mexico, where there are two major competitions I have been invited to be part of,” said Jonga.
“The major problem right now is that I do not have the funds to facilitate my travel and accommodation for either of these two events. “The WFF Universe Pro-Am held in Korea was supposed to be my first pro gig, but I could not go because I failed to raise enough money for the trip.”
Without a sponsor, the athlete has had to resort to donations from well-wishers and was sending an appeal to the corporate world and individuals to help out.
“The major problem is that I do not have a sponsor at the moment so someone has setup a GoFundMe page, which I am hopping will help out in raising money for me to travel.
“I am appealing to anyone out there who is willing to help in any way they can so that I can be able to go and compete at any of these tournaments.”
Despite the financial obstacle, the bodybuilder has already intensified her training routine in preparation for her first pro tourney. “I might not have funding right now, but that has not stopped me from getting ready. I was going to the gym in the morning before I go to work, but I am now training twice a day.
“I have even adjusted my diet so that I can fine-tune my body and I am confident that I can win if I get the chance to compete because right now I am in better shape than I was the last time I went on stage,” Jonga said.
