Two Ballito bodybuilders returned from the recent IBFF Africa Mr and Mrs Universe competition with medals and ‘pro cards’ in tow.

Thea van der Merwe finished first in the fitness model division and second overall, while Chelsea Venter finished third in the wellness division.

It was a journey back to the top for Thea, who had previously held a pro card before taking a break from competition, while Chelsea managed the achievement in her first full year of competing.

A pro card is awarded by judges and allows bodybuilders to compete against the best athletes worldwide and for money, although there is little fortune to be made in the sport.

“We do it because we love the challenge and the experience. You have to find motivation within yourself if you are going to succeed in the sport,” said Thea, co-owner and coach at the Dynasty Elite women’s gym in Ballito.

“It is empowering to have control of your body and we hope to be positive role models for girls and women who might look a little different. It’s so positive once you are part of it.”

Thea first got into bodybuilding in 2018 and quickly took to it, earning her first pro card the next year. She competed until 2021 before taking a break to move with her family to Ballito in 2022, later opening the gym with her husband Sean.

That is where she met Chelsea, who joined the gym as a coach and soon found her way to the stage too.

“I first really started thinking about it when Thea said she thought my physique would be a good fit for the wellness category,” said Chelsea.

“Starting this year I really got on track with my eating and learning about the discipline needed to compete.”

That discipline sees athletes focusing completely on an upcoming competition for months at a time.

“It’s a six-month programme. For the first two you can eat food with sauce and salt and have one cheat day a week,” said Thea.

“The next two means less sauce, less salt and less quantity and the last 45 days or so is no sauce at all and basically just chicken or fish and broccoli. Even water intake is controlled.”

It is a titanic struggle that takes as much mental strength as physical, although the physical side – at least five sessions in the gym per week – also takes a massive toll.

“I don’t think either of us could have done it without the support of our families,” said Chelsea, thanking her husband Pieter, while Thea thanked Sean.

Both athletes now turn their attention towards an international competition next year, for which training has already begun.

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