Bodybuilder Rudolf back on top
Koen has already shifted his focus to next year, confirming that he and coach John Lucas are closely working together for 2020.
Local pro bodybuilder Rudolf Koen was recently crowned champion at the 2019 World Fitness Federation (WFF) Asia Pacific in his bodybuilding pro division in India.
The local fitness star clocked the scales at 97.5kgs.
As a pro athlete, Koen mostly competes overseas and will continue to do so unless South Africa hosts a pro WFF show.
Quizzed on the win, the LaComo Fitness Club personal trainer stayed true to his modest persona.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. India was an unbelievable experience. With any competition, you never know what or who to expect on the day.
“I was just set on delivering the best version of me, but I was pleasantly surprised with the level of competitors in India. It was a great competition and I met amazing people, but stepping on and off stage realising only by the grace of God can I do this, and He’s blessed me abundantly.”
His latest achievement adds a cherry on top and a fitting way to conclude a successful year in the sport for Boksburg.
Parkdene’s Craig Huxtable finished in the top 10 during the Arnold Classic in June before finishing in the top seven a few months later during the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) South African Championships staged at the Emerald Resort and Casino.
Cindy Willemse recovered from a series of health issues to win silver at IFBB’s SA Extreme competition in Cape Town earlier this year.
Sunward Park fitness princess Penny Wilbers took part in two IFBB events in Europe over the same weekend, making it into the top five in every category she entered.
The IFBB European Championship and the IFBB Miss Universe both took place in Italy.
In the European Championship, Wilbers finished second in the Miss Fitness over 40 category and in the Miss Fitness class before settling for fourth position in the Miss Fitness over 35 class.
Her first gold medal arrived in the Miss Universe competition, where she aced the field in the best athlete over 50 category.
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