Novice bodybuilders impress at world championships
Two Mbombela residents surpassed expectations at the recent bodybuilding championships.
Two newbie bodybuilders who recently represented their country at the World Fitness Federation World Championships, surpassed their wildest expectations.
Chrisanne Liebenberg (25) placed second and Lucky Nkosi (37) achieved fourth place in their respective categories at the championships in Pretoria on November 7. It was the first major competition for both Lowvelders.
“I was very surprised to place fourth, some of the other guys were looking crazy,” Nkosi said.
Usually he competes in class four for his height, but at the world championships, classes four, three and two were combined in the men’s athletic extreme-bodies category. Some of his competitors were 25 kilograms heavier.
“I was nervous, but I am so proud of my coach. This guy is the real deal.”
Elie Fourie, a personal trainer who also participated in top-level bodybuilding competitions and has trained numerous competitors, was very proud.
“Lucky did very, very well,” Fourie said. “Especially considering it was his first big competition.”
He said he had hoped Lucky would finish in the top six, and now has big plans for his new charge: The Arnold Classic Africa, an international multisport festival and trade expo, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on May 27 to 29.
He said the competition at that level was incredible, and Lucky would be training very hard in preparation.
He is ready for the challenge: Before the championships Lucky had trained with Elie for only one week, but he said the difference it made was clear.
“He is old-school, but also up to date on the latest developments.”
Lucky’s goal is to increase his weight from 67 kilograms to 90 kilograms, and then drop back down to 80 for the competition.
“It makes the muscles thicker, so they look better,” he explained.
He gave a special thanks to the local businessmen who had given him financial support.
“If it hadn’t been for them, none of this would have been possible.”
Chrisanne achieved a second place in the sports-model category at the championships.
Participants competed in a sports theme and bikini round. She says the result surprised her.
“I did not expect to even place in the top six,” she said.
For now she is enjoying the off season, but she plans to continue with the sport next year. “One wants to go further, and try to achieve a first place.”
A pharmacist, she plans to be her own coach: She has started studying personal training, which includes nutrition. “It is my passion, I really want to make it my focus.”
