NWU Vaal athlete to represent SA at the 2026 IFBB World Championships in Spain
"We are here, and we are not going anywhere."
SEDIBENG.- NWU Vaal Bodybuilding athlete Lethlogonolo Baloyi will represent South Africa at the 2026 IFBB World Championships in Santa Susanna, Spain, from October 27 – November 2.
This follows the standout hard work of the NWU Vaal Campus Bodybuilding and CrossFit Team at the USSA National Bodybuilding and CrossFit Championships, where the team took first place overall. This is thanks to Baloyi, who won a gold medal in a showstopper, closing out as the Men’s Physique overall winner.
This historical achievement showcased the Vanderbijlpark campus as a powerhouse in university sport. As if this was not enough, NWU Vaal Campus athletes brought home two gold medals, two bronze medals, and multiple Top Six finishes at the South African National Bodybuilding Championships in Cape Town. Baloyi won the Men’s Physique over 178cm category and was crowned South African National Champion.
He grew up with a dream to conquer the world.
His hard work and discipline earned him a place among the country’s elite. Baloyi grew up with a dream to conquer the world, and that dream is now a reality.
This mouth-watering news was shared with Sedibeng Ster Sport by Mzamani Mabasa, who is the Team Manager and Head Coach of the NWU Vaal Campus Bodybuilding and CrossFit Team. Mabasa told Sedibeng Ster Sport that the year has been nothing short of remarkable for the NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus Bodybuilding and CrossFit Team.
We are here, and we are not going anywhere!
“For Lethlogonolo, this selection means everything. He is not just representing himself or his family; he is representing the NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus, his teammates, myself as his coach, and every young athlete in South Africa who dares to dream. For NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus, this achievement is a statement to the world; we are here, and we are not going anywhere. As our motto says: It all starts here.”
” I thank Mr Karabo Mokoka, our Senior Manager of Sport, for his unwavering support and for allowing these athletes the opportunity to represent NWU and South Africa on the world stage,” said Mabasa.
Mabasa said Baloyi will carry the hopes of a nation and the pride of a university to Spain as he competes against the best in the world.
He was full of compliments for Baloyi, saying this is a victory for the university.
