Tjokkie set to outmuscle his competitors at Arnold Festival
33-year-old Tjokkie van Tonder will represent the province at the Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger Sport Festival next month. He speaks to Observer about his expectations of his performance at the event.
POLOKWANE – Local rugby player Tjokkie van Tonder was crowned the overall winner of the provincial Bodybuilding Fitness Classic Sunfest at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World on October 23.
Tjokkie out-muscled 20 bodybuilders from various areas in the province who competed for the title. He stood out in the classic physique, classic bodybuilding and body fitness categories.
The 33-year-old father of two daughters will represent the province at the Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger Sport Festival scheduled for November 20 and 21 in Gauteng.
Tjokkie, who played rugby for the Pumas and Falcons, said he was jubilant to finally win the provincial title.
“This was a very important show for me, as I fell short at the two previous shows in which I was the runner-up. I had to do introspection and become a better conditioned athlete to win the title. I am just happy to be the overall winner of the event. It made it more special to showcase my hard work and determination to succeed.”
He said he is ready to compete in the national title with other bodybuilders from other province. “With bodybuilding it all comes down to the day of the show, how you handle peak week, how your decarb, carb-up and water-drop plan goes. If all goes according to plan, I believe I will stand a good chance to finish among the top three. I am happy to have received my Arnold’s classic invitation and I look forward to bring an even better condition to the stage.”
Tjokkie started bodybuilding in 2017 and participated in World Fitness Federation and World Body Building Federation competitions.
He said he is pleased with the growth of the sporting code and the perks that come with it. “This is an amazing sport that gives athletes an opportunity to learn about the body. It is amazing to see how the body changes within a few weeks leading up to shows.
“As a qualified personal trainer I have a passion for the sport and to help people change their habits to transform their bodies and to be happy with how they feel and look in their own bodies,” he said.
Body Building South Africa president Wayne Price was happy to see bodybuilders from Limpopo compete against each other.
“Limpopo hardly hosts such events and we thought we should bring the events closer to cater for bodybuilding enthusiasts in the province.
“We have many bodybuilders from Limpopo and some never make it to national events due to logistics. We will bring more competitions to them in the near future.”
