Umdloti athlete’s inspiring journey from bodybuilding competitor to IFBB judge

Bodybuilding judge Jackie Lewis took up bodybuilding in 2014 at the age of 40 to “make her life count”.

A lifetime of health-conscious living bloomed into the Umdloti local taking up the physically and mentally challenging discipline of sculpting her body to perfection, competing on stage against other athletes and eventually giving back to the sport as a judge.

“I decided to compete to prove to myself that I could enter the competitive arena without using anabolic steroids.

“I am an introvert and throwing myself on stage was unnerving, but part of the challenge of competing was to overcome that stress of being on stage. It was like my own personal ice bucket challenge,” said Lewis.

Although bodybuilding is not an Olympic sport, she aligned herself with the IFBB because it was the only bodybuilding federation recognised by the National Olympic Committee (SASCOC) through which an athlete can be awarded Protea colours.

“I enjoyed competing for five years until the end of 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic abruptly ended all competitions.”

Working through personal challenges in 2021, Lewis went through a time of deep reflection and introspection.

She wanted to give back to the sporting federation that had added so much value to her life.

The IFBB’s judges training programme is offered free of charge and Lewis enrolled in 2022, qualifying as a KZN regional judge in March this year. This after completing the required academic classes, exams and trainee judging assignments at regional competitions throughout the year.

She said there was a need for bodybuilding judges, and she was relishing the opportunity to volunteer her services and share in the camaraderie of the federation.

“A lot goes into a competition day. As judges we assist with athlete weigh-in, registration, and helping athletes coordinate their music with the DJ before taking our seats at the judging table. It is a whole day of people giving of themselves and I just love being part of it.”

“As an athlete I was totally focused on the bikini fitness physique, and I did not even notice any other body types. But I love that judging has created an awareness and appreciation in me of all physiques.”

When asked about progressing to national and international level judging, Lewis said she believed it to be a natural progression that may happen at some stage, but for now she is enjoying judging at a provincial level.

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