The Sunday Mail
Quiet Shangai
THE history of the Zimbabwe National Bodybuilding Championships, whose 2019 edition is slated for September 28 at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare is littered with tales of many a champions who were crowned, some reaching legendary status, while others simply disappeared into history’s many pages.
There have also been many great athletes who have participated at the nationals but were never crowned champion. They are part of the fitness industry’s heritage because they brought contest-worthy physiques… what is a winner’s worth without competition. Winning a title is great but achieving a good physique is greater. Anyone who achieves a contest-worthy physique must be celebrated. Bodybuilding is one such sport where age does not limit anyone, for one can go as far as he/she dares. It is not about the destination, but the journey. Training is the only thing that makes people actually look and feel younger than their age. In view of the above the nationals are structured in a way that afford athletes from different age groups, sex and genotype to participate.
There are junior divisions meant for athletes who are 23 years or younger. There are masters’ divisions for men and women over 40 years and 35 years respectively. Furthermore, there are divisions for those who want to be very muscular and those who just want an aesthetic physique that is neither too muscular nor less muscular. Then there are divisions meant for those who are very fit but not necessarily muscle models. Participating at the Nationals is, therefore, an output description which can be achieved through training and nutrition; hence thinking of participating will obviously motivate an individual to develop a physique which can be celebrated. The most important thing that should be understood by everybody is that the National Championships are not created to celebrate champions only and humiliate the defeated.
They are designed to celebrate fitness and physique transformation. We have Dexter Jackson (49); Darren Charles (49), now competing in Classic Physique; Kevin Levrone (54); Tony Freeman (52) and Kai Greene (43). Back home we have Vincent Kandiyero, Isaac Chimuchenga, George Munyoro, Partson Chatedzuka and Zumailer Eusen Mamman, who still look good despite their ages which range from mid-forties- to the fifties. These guys are examples of just how far a bodybuilder can go as far as competitive sport is concerned. As we approach the 2019 Nationals it is imperative for each and every one of us to understand that there is no excuse for failing to develop a great physique.
Till we meet again next week, stay safe.
