Local athlete makes bodybuilding dream a reality
She earned a first place in the beach bikini category and was the silver medallist in the fit model category.
Local athlete Monique Scheepers, who is a member of the international federation of bodybuilding and fitness (IFBB), is ready to face the judges and audience for the annual Arnold Classics Sports Festival Africa.
This popular sporting event will take place at Ruimsig Stadium from June 3-5.
It will be her first appearance at the sport festival.
The 32-year-old competed in her first-ever competition in the beach bikini category at the IFBB Gauteng novice championships that took place at Boksburg civic centre at the end of March.
Her second appearance on stage was during the 2022 IFBB millennium gold plate, but this time she also competed in the fit model category.
She earned first place in the beach bikini category and was the silver medallist in the fit model category.
A few days after the competition, Scheepers received a message from the organisers of the Arnold Classics to inform her of her selection.
This very competition allows participants to possibly book their spot on the plane to represent Africa at the IFBB fit model championships which will take place later this year.
“I have been wanting to compete in this sport for so long, but every time something seemed to be standing in my way. I am mentally stronger than ever and I was determined to push through,” she said.
Scheepers said that she was blown away when she was informed of her participation in the classics.
“I took to the stage to get the feeling of what the sport is all about. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would qualify for the classics. I set a goal to compete in the novice championships and the millennium gold plate. I did not think beyond that.”
Her husband, Stefan, and their daughter, Lynique are her greatest supporters.
“My journey is also a great learning curve for Lynique. It’s all about discipline and endurance. At the end of the day, it’s not about winning or losing, it is about celebrating all the hard work you put in to have come this far.
“Before each show, you improve as an athlete,” she said.
Dedication and commitment to the sport are not as easy as it might sound.
“Prepping for a show means training three hours per day and normally I would walk around 45km a week. As a family, we love the outdoors, so being on a healthy diet, means a healthy lifestyle. There is no room for error.”
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