Cayleen picks up the pieces and rebuilds her life
This year alone, Cayleen has endured things she never thought would happen and has taken on challenges she never imagined she could do.
AFTER losing the love of her life, gym partner and fitness motivator, Cayleen Lockey was broken but it wasn’t long before she drew inspiration from her loss and committed herself to fitness competitions in his honour.
“I remember the phone call like it was yesterday; I rushed to the hospital and got there before the ambulance did. I stood right in front as the doors opened, and there I saw him. An image still so clear. So suffocating. I remember the paramedic looked up at me and looked down back at Danie. That moment is the moment I will remember for the rest of my life, when his heart stopped beating and mine carried on,” she said.
Cayleen’s boyfriend, Danie Flemming was critically injured after the vehicle he was travelling in collided with a truck on the M19 Durban bound just after the Dunkeld Road on-ramp in February this year.
The Queensburgh man was a dedicated and driven person who put his 100 per cent in everything he did.
“He was an exceptional bodybuilder and rugby player. Danie had a absolute heart of gold that was taken way too soon. He lived life to the fullest and did things some people don’t accomplish in their whole life.”
Challenge limits
Following Danie’s passing she participated in a competition that took place on Saturday, 25 March in Cape Town called, Conrad Nagel Xtreme Classic 2017 In Memory Of Yesterday’s Heroes.
Yesterday’s Heroes are athletes that have sadly passed on in the last few years and tributes reveal their lives and what impact they have made.
“Danie allowed me to challenge my limits and do things I never thought I could do. I started competing with Danie as a team, he taught me everything I know. He encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and to love the very things I thought were flawed,” Cayleen said.
“I knew that I had to do this competition in honour of ‘My King’ and I knew he put this on my path to get me up on my feet again.
“With the help from my amazing coach, friends and family they made it possible. Danie was a part of a competition that showed a tribute video among other great bodybuilders of our time. I also received a beautiful trophy in his honour from PCA Kevin Schwartz.”
Achieves in his honour
Through this journey she has felt his presence and admits it doesn’t get easier and you just have learn to live with the pain. For her, doing things in Danies’ honour, has given her strength to get out of bed in the morning.
“I competed in the competition and I did it, I got up on stage and I was placed first for Open Ladies Beach Bikini and won Overall Beach Bikini. And I have no doubt he is smiling from ear to ear, as he would no matter if it was defeat or win. I can’t help but wonder what else Danie has in store for me,” she said.
Cayleen qualified to compete in Ladies Toned Bikini line-up at PCA BodyPower in the UK Birmingham on Saturday, 13 May where she represented PCA Team South Africa. She was placed in the top six and qualified to compete at the Inaugural PCA British Finals.
Great support helps
BodyPower UK is the most celebrated and comprehensive fitness event in the UK, attracting, inspiring and motivating 90 000-plus health and fitness enthusiasts for three days.
This year alone, Cayleen has endured things she never thought would happen and has taken on challenges she never imagined she could do.
“I was so overwhelmed by the amount of support and help I received from so many people who helped sponsor my trip,” she said.
“People have asked me what my future plans are and, to be honest, I’m not quite sure right now. I think I’ll take things as they come. Just one step in front of the other really. I think that’s when beautiful things can happen if you don’t plan things, you trust your gut and you take that leap when it scares you the most,” she said.
