Machérie Smith from Secunda claims title at IFBB World Championship

SECUNDA – Machérie Smith (25) recently competed for the first time in the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) World Championship and walked away with the title in her category.

The championship was held in Spain on November 4, where Smith represented South Africa.

Two weeks prior to the world championship, Smith had undergone serious necessary surgery. She also had numerous other huge physical and financial challenges.

However, this did not deter Smith from getting into her routine workout which had become a lifestyle.

“While I was instructed by the doctor to rest, I was at the gym. Overseas bodybuilding is like our rugby. It is highly competitive and one of the biggest participating sports,” said Smith.

Smith competed amongst the world’s best in the wellness category measuring 163.2cm.

“I do not have a coach so everything is based on trial and error,” said Smith.

Her stress level was extremely high having to find a make-up and hair stylist in a foreign country. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong on the styling side.

And as if that wasn’t enough, she made it even more difficult for herself by wearing new competition shoes and ended up with blisters on both her feet. Smith said it was unbelievable that she won when she felt like a total mess.

“My fellow competitors looked amazing. I felt I had no chance. You get judged by every single detail,” Smith said.

Despite wardrobe and make-up woes, Smith outshined all other competitors, claiming the world title in the wellness category.

She is now ranked as a professional bodybuilder.

Representing South Africa and claiming a title has not yet sunk in for Smith.

She said it was an emotional experience when the national anthem played as she stood on the podium.

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Smith is already in training for 2023 events.

“I can’t sit down. Every day counts,” said Smith.

She thanked her friends and family who contributed in any way possible, and supported her from the beginning to her most memorable and successful year so far.

“Never be afraid to follow your dreams, you never know when they just might become a reality,” concluded Smith.