Title win gives local bodybuilder’s Arnold Classic prep a lift
Monique told the Record that she did not expect to win, as she planned just to qualify for the Annual Arnold Sports Festival this year.
Monique Giraud recently competed at the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Sunfest Gauteng and won her line-up as well as bagged the overall title for Women’s Wellness.
The Sunfest Bodybuilding and Fitness Classic was held on Saturday, May 7 and it is a new addition to the IFBB events, hosted by Gentle Giant Promotions.
The show was also a qualifier for the upcoming international event, Arnold Classic Sports Festival – Africa that will be held from June 3 to 5 at the Ruimsig Athletics Stadium.
Monique told the Record that she did not expect to win, as she planned just to qualify for the Annual Arnold Sports Festival this year.
But, when she did win, all she could think about was how she hoped she had influenced and encouraged those who wish to achieve a healthy lifestyle and a toned body, to actually go out and do it.
Monique who is originally from Gqeberha is a former Princess High School learner and attended the school for the last part of her high school career.
The Witpoortjie resident started training around 2009, but she became competitive only in 2017.
She trains at various commercial gyms such as Virgin Active Horizon View, which is the closest to her but she also trains at Planet Fitness and Golds Gyms.
When asked for her advice to the youth who would like to take up the sport, Monique talked about the sacrifices that one has to make.
“It is a tough sport and that is why it is rare. The sacrifices one needs to make range from a strict nutritional plan to the number of hours it takes to work out, and it is not something anyone can do.
“Hard work, dedication and most of all consistency are key. If you can demonstrate all this in the efforts you put into bodybuilding, you can and will succeed,” said Monique.
Although she has a full-time job and a full-time teenager, all she has time for other than when she is not training is working and spending some time with her family.
“My days are tight as I train on average 3-4 hours a day. Last year I won my line-up at the Arnold Sports Festival. Although I didn’t take the overall win, it is a huge honour and privilege to carry an Arnold Schwarzenegger Bodybuilding Title.
“It is one of the biggest bodybuilding shows in the world; and each continent hosts one and invites athletes from all around the world to compete.
“So I am definitely excited. I think this year’s line-up is going to be extremely strong. Whatever the outcome, even if it is not a win, I am honoured to compete against the best of the best international and national wellness athletes,” said Monique.
