Muscles on her muscles
"The culture and mannerisms are so different to what we are used to in South Africa."
Going to Italy and taking part in the International Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (IBFF) Mister and Miss Universe world championship hosted in Taranto, Italy, was admittedly intimidating and nerve-wracking to the well-known local bodybuilder Jacqueline Groenewald, but it was an opportunity that made her life’s dream a reality.
Photo: Submitted
Jacqueline was chosen to compete in the championship after she finished first in both the Welkom Classic and Provincial Championships at the IBFF (International Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation) SA Championships earlier this year.
“As an athlete who has never competed against other countries, you never know what to expect, especially when it is against 12 different countries. The thought that is constantly on your mind is ‘Will I even place’ ?” said Jacqueline.
Photo: Tomaž Poto
“But I could not have asked for anyone better to be by my side. Someone who has always been my number one supporter and motivator; one of my biggest blessings – my husband . He was there every step of the way to calm the nerves and keep me focused.”
She said that it wasn’t just the bodybuilding that was exciting, but travelling to another country.
“The culture and mannerisms are so different to what we are used to in South Africa. Backstage, the most hilarious of all things was South African athletes trying to communicate with athletes from other countries. Boy, was that a struggle, especially when waiting to go on stage – you don’t understand a word they are saying, even when calling out each line-up, they would call it out in Italian. “Trust me not even the appointed Italian translator could help us. A switch like that induces the South African survival mode, and you start searching for someone who can speak a small bit of English. You get to appreciate your country and realise how different South Africans are and how unique we find ourselves to be.”
There were 14 South African athletes who went over to compete.
“I must admit, it was without a doubt the South Africans who stole the show at the IBFF. Every member of the IBFF SA Team came home with some hardware. In total, South Africa collected 18 trophies.”
Jacqueline achieved an overall third in the figure line-up – something she is very proud of.
“I am extremely happy to have shared the experience with a group of amazing athletes who travelled to Italy to battle it out for top honours.”
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