Edenvale bodybuilder Junior Masilela has qualified to compete in the South African bodybuilding championships.
Junior qualified for the championship on August 18 after he placed third in the senior category at the Physical Culture Association’s Gauteng championships.
In July, at the H&H Bodybuilding and Fitness Classic, he came second in the u-23 category and fourth in the seniors category.
Following his success at the Gauteng champs, Junior plans to obtain professional status when he competes in the Battle of the Titans bodybuilding event next year.
“My bodybuilding career is going very well at the moment,” said Junior.
Since the NEWS last spoke to Junior he has started a clothing line and partnered up with his coach, Julian Naidoo, and is now training hopeful bodybuilders.
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Karaglen Superspar is assisting him with his career by sponsoring some of his meals.
“Spar has really given me the means to change from a junior bodybuilder to senior.”
Although his bodybuilding career is taking off presently, Junior said a few months ago he was contemplating stopping the sport.
He said he stopped training for shows and started eating unhealthily.
“My brother, Michael, and dad, Jimmy, encouraged me to get back into the sport.”
It took him several months of training and healthy eating to get back to where he was.
“Bodybuilding is not only a physical sport, it’s a mental one too. When you go through bad phases you need people to help you get up and going again.”
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“It feels good knowing there are people who support me and believe that I have the potential,” said Junior.
He said going forward he will only compete in the senior’s category.
“I feel as a junior I expected too much of myself,” said Junior.
“In the senior category I still have time to become professional.”
Jimmy, a former bodybuilder himself, said he is very proud of how far his son has come.
Junior said once he gets his pro-card he hopes to compete on a international level.
“I want to reach my full potential and grow my bodybuilding career.”
