POLOKWANE – From having been placed seventh and eighth at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, local bodybuilder Mapula Colin made a remarkable leap at the recent International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) World Championships 2025 in Santa Suzanne, Spain, finishing fifth worldwide.

Colin who gyms and runs exercise classes at the Health Zone Gym in Seshego Zone 4, told Polokwane Observer that the journey has been one of consistent learning, discipline and growth.

Read more: Polokwane bodybuilder Mapula Colin crowned IFBB national champion

Competing in the Women’s Wellness up to 158cm and Women’s Wellness 40-44 masters open categories, she ended fifth in both divisions.

With strong support from her husband, Roy and her personal trainer and nutrition coach, Nikki Nair of iFitBeauty, Colin said the results show the power of professional guidance, and trusting the process.

“This season was by far the toughest, especially on my family. I’m grateful for all the support they gave me,” she said.

Colin said each preparation pushed her to new physical, mental and spiritual levels.

“Bodybuilding doesn’t just build bodies; it rebuilds broken people and gives structure to chaos. It teaches discipline in a storm and hope when there’s none.”

She added that the public often sees only the meal preps, early mornings, and training pain, but not the sleepless nights, anxiety or mental battles behind the scenes.

“Fitness has been my greatest strength and foundation. Through God’s grace and my family’s constant support, nothing is impossible. Dreams do come true,” she said.

She said she is grateful to supporters who helped fund her trip to Spain: “I carried all of you on stage with me. I’m deeply proud of what we achieved and excited for the next chapter.”