Hennessy aiming to be ‘ab’solutely awesome in Singapore
She is not going there to make up the numbers.
Rynfield resident Meghan Hennessy is striving to be a cut above the rest when she heads to Singapore for the 2018 World Fitness Federation (WFF) Universe competition, to be held on July 1.
The fitness bodybuilder/model earned qualification to the international event after placing in the first position in the Sports Model category at the National Amateur Bodybuilders’ Association (Nabba)/WFF Pretoria Classic Pro-Am recently.
There Hennessy received her WFF Professional Division Licence or ‘Pro Card’ which allows her to compete on a global level.
Her rise in the sport is attributed to sheer determination and an undying will to change her lifestyle.
She said: “I was at the gym in July 2016, training to look decent and stay in shape, when somebody asked me: ‘Have you ever thought about competing?’
“I was like: No, are you mad?
“I’m a mom, how can I stand on stage in a bikini, I’m never going to do that.”
Soon her arm was twisted and the next thing she knew she was preparing for her first competition.
“For my first comp I prepped for nine weeks, that was it.
“Now I prepare at least 18 to 20 weeks before a competition, but I don’t really believe in taking an off-season.
“Prepping involves super clean eating where every meal is timed and weighed.
“This is my life now so I eat healthily throughout the whole year.
“Obviously, for my own sanity I have cheat meals every now and then, but not too often.”
The single mother of Sianna (6) said about three years ago she was on the verge of anorexia and that stepping into a gym changed her life.
“A lot of people go from big to small in this sport, but for me, it was the exact opposite.
“I would regularly go the whole day without eating anything.
“I didn’t even have the strength or energy to pick up my own child.”
That was a driving factor for Hennessy who decided to take charge of her health and her life.
“Now, I am 10kg heavier than I was then, but I look and feel better and healthier.
“I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin.
“I am now happy with myself and my confidence levels have improved drastically.”
The go-getting mom, who can regularly be spotted doing her thing at Trinergy and Virgin Active Benoni gyms, has her focus fixated on making a statement in Singapore after her shining display at the Pretoria Classic.
A year ago she finished in the fourth position at the Pretoria competition and just missed out on a Pro Card.
“It is soul destroying when there’s someone better than you, but it happens.
“When I started prepping for this year’s comp, my head was in the game this time.
“It was like do or die for me to finish first.
“Winning my category was like the cherry on the top.
“Now that I’ve got my Pro Card I can compete overseas, but I am not just going to stand on the stage and be another number.
“I am going give it my absolute everything.”
Hennessy thanked her parents Greg and Diane for their undying support and everybody who has been a part of her journey.
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
