Ballito’s Elrine Swart (60) is a bodybuilding world champion, recently claiming gold at the WFF Universe competition in America.
Competing in the over-60 figure division, Elrine triumphed over women from four countries to claim her first international title at Resorts World Hotel in Las Vegas on October 20. The victory was a culmination of almost a decade in the sport, which she was first introduced to after seeing her son compete in 2017.
“I told him I wanted to give it a try and have since fallen in love with the process and competing,” said Elrine.
“I love exercising and lifting weights and do so twice a day, five days a week. Most people look forward to weekends, I look forward to getting back in the gym on Monday morning!”
Elrine looked at joining the high-intensity sport in her 50s as a positive rather than a barrier to entry.
“My husband and I like to live life outdoors and have always enjoyed staying active and doing long walks,” she said.
“But as I was getting closer to 60, I started taking closer notice of my health and decided to try and eat better too. Bodybuilding was the perfect match.”
Elrine said she eats five meals a day in the lead-up to a competition, with chicken, fish, broccoli, rice and egg whites making up the majority of her intake.
It has so far proven effective and Elrine’s bodybuilding prowess has taken her to three international competitions. She has no plans to slow down and will be lifting weights at Virgin Active for as long as her body permits.
When not in the gym, you can find her on one of Ballito’s beaches or spending time with her granddaughter.
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