Fitness champ off to Greece
Highway resident Catherine de Wet took the title of Miss Bikini South African Champion at the recent NABBA South African Championships.
LOCAL lass, Catherine de Wet, recently took part in the NABBA SA National Championships and was crowned Miss Bikini South African Champion for this year.
Catherine studied personal training, qualified with distinctions and is now a personal trainer at the Physical Impact Wellness Centre at the Greyville Race Course in Durban. “I live and breathe fitness and always practice what I preach when it comes to setting an example for my clients as it is an absolute passion of mine,” said Catherine.
She started competing locally to boost her career when she first ventured into the fitness industry. She also used it to motivate her existing clients as a way for them to achieve their fitness goals and desires.
The first competition Catherine took part in was the IFBB East Coast Classic in July this year and placed 6th in the Fitness Bikini Division U1.63m.
“I was then noticed and approached by my now fitness coach Cindy Marshall, who herself is a renowned fitness athlete who has a vast amount of experience and knowledge behind her. She recognised the potential I had and wanted to help me achieve my personal goals in the fitness industry,” said Catherine.
She competed in the IFBB KZN Regional competition in August and placed fifth in the Fitness Bikini Division U1.63M. She then decided to try out the NABBA SA federation, taking part in the NABBA KZN regional competition on the 7 September and nabbed second place in her division and was selected to represent KZN in the NABBA South African National Championships.
“I was reluctant at first to take part in this prestigious event, but after having a chat with my coach, supportive husband, colleagues and friends they all spurred me on. I had three weeks of hard dieting, two training sessions a day which consisted of cardio and weights. I also tortured myself a little bit by watching the Food Network channel every day while eating hake for breakfast,” said Catherine. On the morning of the competition I received a message
from my coach asking how I looked, so I had a look in the mirror and told her “I look like a machine!”
She competed against eight of the top athletes from around South Africa in her division, won the title of Miss Bikini South African Champion and also took the Bikini Overall title for all three bikini divisions; U23, U1.63M and O1.63M.
“I couldn’t have done it without my amazing coach Cindy Marshall who has stuck by me and has given me the tools I needed to succeed. A big thank you to my supportive husband, Donovan, who even put up with the funky fish smell every time I had to cook my meals, and my clients and colleagues who pushed me all the way,” said Catherine. She is set to represent South Africa in an international fitness show in Greece and is currently looking for sponsors. Contact Catherine at cmdewet02@gmail.com.
