Born and bred in Benoni, van Zyl (29) won the National Amateur Bodybuilding Association of South Africa’s Ms Bikini u-1.63m title, on May 3.
Although she loved modelling, her height was a problem and she proceeded to compete in a competitive sport.
Van Zyl has always had an interest in bodybuilding and a year ago took her interest to another level.
The single mother of two boys, Angelus-Maximus (4) and Leonidus-Jovani (3), said her sons are her biggest supporters.
She trains every day for two hours at a gym, and twice a day before a competition.
Christa Foxcroft, her personal trainer, helps and guides her with the correct diet, training routine and also designs her bikini wear.
“Hard work, dedication, perseverance and motivation are the keys to a toned body and a six pack I thought was not possible to build,” said van Zyl.
She won the Ms Bikini u-1.63m title, at the Unisa Auditorium, in her first competition.
“My biggest goal is to become the Pro-Status World Champion,” van Zyl said.
She thanked her “amazing father”, Stephen van Zyl, as he believed in her and gave her the opportunity to reach her dream.
She also thanked Catherine (Habib) van Zyl, her “superwoman”, who inspires her each day to reach for the stars and become anything she wants to be.
