Mr Benoni is fit and ready to uplift his town

“I did not expect to win because I thought the other contestants were just as good, if not, better than I was,” the 24-year-old said.

But winning this competition took dedication from Gericke who competed for the third time.

“I tried in 2013 and did not even make it to the top 10,” he said.

“I then tried again in 2015 and became first prince.”

Finally, his persistence won him the Mr Benoni title which he believes has come at the right time.

“I co-own a business called Techfitness which Riana Booysen,” Gericke said.

He explained that while Mr Benoni gives exposure to his business, the fact that he has a business helps him sponsor charity events that he intends to host during his reign.

Gericke was born and spent most of his life in Benoni.

“I attended Rynfield Primary School and then Benoni High School,” he said.

“After school I went to Durban for two years to play rugby but returned home to work as an IT administrator.

“Basically I am a computer geek.”

But being just a computer geek was not enough for the business owner.

“While I worked I completed a course to become a qualified fitness trainer,” he said.

“When I achieved that, I still worked at my full-time job and in the mornings and evenings I trained others.”

It was a dream for Gericke to open his own Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) studio which he made a reality in 2017.

“I enjoy helping people and this business helps to keep people fit even when they have limited time to gym,” he said.

Holding the Mr Benoni title for Gericke is a sense of achievement and persistence.

“It became a long-term goal to win Mr Benoni,” he said.

“Going forward I want to help our community as much as possible by raising funds for charities.”

Also read: Meet your new Mr and Miss Benoni

Follow us on these platforms:

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za