Rademeyer flexes to podium finish in Italy

The Freeway Park resident finished as the runner-up in the Fitness Over 40 category, in what was her ultimate competition for the year.

This was also her first international competition in her young career, which commenced only two years ago.

The Bari outing came after her recent exploits at Wits University, where she was crowned the IBFF South African Champion and earned her qualification to feature at the Italian port city.

Asked for her thoughts on her second place finish, Rademeyer said: “I was very surprised, because in South Africa, it’s more about bikini fitness, which isn’t too much about muscles – the ladies in Italy were very muscular.

”I had never had to do compulsory poses in bikini fitness and I was completely surprised when the head judge asked for a double bicep pose, etc. I had never done those and just went on gut instinct.

“It [the silver medal] is a dream that I truly never thought would happen; every athlete dreams of competing overseas, but I didn’t think I would get that chance having started so late in life and only doing it for such a short time.

”Then, with also having the setback of a double hernia op in March, competing overseas wasn’t even in my scope or plan,” she explained, before describing the criteria used to determine the winner.

“We had an eveningwear round and then the bikini round, where you have to show off your muscles to their best form. ”What they were basically looking for is muscle development and symmetry-proportion, while still maintaining femininity. I think that is what gave me the chance of a place, as I still maintained my femininity even with being slightly muscular.”

Rademeyer, who will compete in the world championships in Slovenia next year, courtesy of her runner-up finish, went on to explain the importance her support structure plays in her career.

“It is important to surround yourself with people who support your vision and goal and lift you when you are down and encourage you when you want to give up,” she said.

“I have a strong support system and my son, daughter and friends are always there for me – so too is Cat Rademeyer, who has been a huge inspiration and is always available for advice.

“There’s also a special person I call Maih, the main reason I started this journey: thank you.” – @SabeloBoksburg