Written by: Venal Naidu

The International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) KwaZulu-Natal Championships took place at Durbans’ Playhouse theatre yesterday.

The event saw the best in muscle and fitness fight it out against each other over various categories as over 160 athletes participated in the event.

The event saw two different rounds take place; pre-judging which took place in the morning, and the final show which took place at night. Athletes had to display more than five different poses to the judges to accummulate scores.

Helmine van Zyl, winner of the Ladies Body Fitness category, said that it took a lot of hard work and hours if you want to be the best.

“A lot of dedication, a lot of discipline, a lot of diet, it becomes a lifestyle, you have to have a love for the sport,” said van Zyl.

Coach of East Coast Transformations, Nick Robert who trained Sergio van Leeve who won in the Athletic Physique category as well as Skye Powell who won in the Muscular Physique category, said that he does what is best for his clients.

“I take what I do very seriously, I live and breathe the way they look and feel and I get pleasure when I see a satisfactory result,” said Robert.

Other winners included Philani Gabela, who won the Under 23’s Under 75 kg, Delia Kroll won the Ladies Bikini over 35, Naiem Ally won in the Men’s Classic Bodybuilding and Nancy Ellis won the Ladies Beach bikini over 163cm among others.

Joe Manju, Chairman of IFBB KZN, was very confident that KZN bodybuilding will continue to grow from strength to strength.

“KZN is a powerhouse of bodybuilding in the country, we have been the best province in the past 3 years and looking at the guys here today I’m sure we will do it again,” said Manju.

The best athletes were chosen to be a apart of the KZN team to participate in the National tournament in a few weeks time.

*Caption: Ladies in the Body Fitness category at the IFBB competition.