Wiehann walks away with Mr Universe crown

Mentz withheld stiff competition from France’s Jonathan Delaballe and China international Hai Yansanj in the Senior Men Mr Super Body Division, making him the first South African male NABBA-WFF athlete to be awarded the illustrious Pro-Card.

Delaballe and Yansanj finished second and third respectively.

The Klippoortjie bodybuilder’s win also secured a historic double sweep for Boksburg on the international stage following Cat Buys Rademeyer’s Miss Universe win at the same event.

Asked about the emotions he went through when he learned of his triumph, Mentz says: “Bodybuilding is very physical and mentally tough – it’s a mental game. At first I didn’t believe it was my number (that was called out as the winner). The joy was very overwhelming; knowing that all the hard work you put in had finally paid off…I was ecstatic,” says the 26-year-old.

Mentz’ other achievements include a 2013 World Physique crown, a provincial crown which was his first stage win after joining the sport back in 2007, and numerous Boksburg Classic victories.

Asked about how he joined the sport of bodybuilding, he responded: “I was a gymnast for 13 years, achieving numerous titles before one of the personal trainers at the Virgin Active in Sunward Park approached me to take part in a bodybuilding show.”

The rest, as they say, was history.

He trains for four days a week and spends more than two hours in the gym per day. This increases to four hours leading up to a show.

His typical daily diet includes three protein shake servings along with 20 eggs, 1.5kg of chicken, 2kg of basmati rice, 800g of mixed vegetables and 400g of oats.

His dream is to one day take part in Joe Weider’s Mr. Olympia. – @SabeloBoksburg

Quick facts

Name: Wiehann Mentz

Age: 26

Height: 1.65m

Competition weight: 82kg

Current weight: 92kg

Occupation: Technical valve analyst; sales representative for Process Valve Corporate

Two things he cannot travel without: His posing jockey and tan