Iron Lady scoops yet another trophy

Soweto’s renowned bodybuilder, Ali “Iron lady” Phephe has proved once again that nothing can stand in her way.

After becoming a runner up at the Classic Bodybuilding Competition, the 45-year old scooped yet another trophy at Gold Reef City.

She came third in the WPF South African Bodybuilding Championships, competing against young body builders.

According to Phephe, it is not every one who takes part in this competition.

“You must be chosen by the province to entre after competing in numerous competitions and producing a great deal of performance to stand for the Gauteng Province,” said Phephe.

She said she didn’t relax after the WPF Competition and a week later she entered yet another competition at Ennerdale in a Miss Physique and got second position, receiving another trophy in the process.

“Bodybuilding is my life and I will continue competing in such competitions until I decide to retire.

“Perseverance, consistency and discipline allowed me to achieve my goals.

“My encouragement to those who are scared to pursue their dream is to never allow people who criticise you to bring you down, instead focus on what you are doing and show them what you are made of.

“Life has got so much to offer,” she said.

Phephe is an inspiration to some youngsters who wish to do bodybuilding and said she does not mind to plough back to the community by training them.

With no sponsorship, Phephe travels to all these competitions out of her own pocket although it is difficult for her; she said she is doing it for the love of the sport.

“It is very demanding entering these competitions without any sponsorship but I will do my best not to quit due to lack of funds,” she said.