Karen Gräbe from Secunda gives her all at Arnold Classics
Gräbe competed in her two divisions at the Arnold Classic Africa Bodybuilding and Fitness competition that was held in Roodepoort, Johannesburg from June 3 to 5.
In her first time ever competing in an international show against international athletes, Karen Gräbe (41) was placed fifth in the
Masters’ Bikini Fitness for women (over 35-years-old) and a third place in the Bikini Fitness for women taller than 169cm.
Gräbe competed in her two divisions at the Arnold Classic Africa Bodybuilding and Fitness competition that was held in Roodepoort, Johannesburg from June 3 to 5.
Gräbe and her opponents had to face a panel of internationally qualified judges.
“The week of the competition you tend to doubt yourself, questioning if you did enough, trained as hard as you could have or ate as clean as you should have,” said Gräbe.
These were some of the thoughts Gräbe faced when having to step on stage with the most exceptional athletes in her categories.
Gräbe has been training and prepping hard for this event since December last year after claiming a gold and a silver medal at the IFBB Body Building Sunfest that was held in Durban.
“Of course, you want to have a good placing in one of the most prestigious competitions in South Africa.
“But in doing so, we tend to forget to enjoy the journey, that the work has been done and you can only hope for the best. Not all the judges like the same physique and that’s what makes this sport interesting.”
Her aim for the Arnold Classic was to place in the top six in both her lineups and most importantly to just have fun on stage.
“Needless to say, I was quite ecstatic when they called my number in the first call outs for comparisons in both my lineups.
“It was definitely one of my favourite shows in which I have competed,” said Gräbe.
This was an even more remarkable achievement for Gräbe who faces daily health challenges after being diagnosed with lupus some years ago.
She is an advocate for all lupus warriors and wants to show those who suffer the same illness that a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition can make a lupus patient’s life easier.
“I know that I’ve put in the hard work, but I would not have been able to do so without God’s grace and an amazing support system, especially from my sponsor,” said Gräbe.
She thanked her sponsors 37onza and Monic’s Hair Creations who made it possible to pursue her dream.
Gräbe will be competing for the qualifier for the Arnold Classic 2023 in Boksburg on July 23.
She is also competing in the provincials that will take place in Secunda on August 6.
Gräbe also received an official letter from the National Executive President of Bodybuilding South Africa, Wayne Price, which states that she is eligible to compete in international events that will be taking place this year in Ghana, Cairo, Saville, Algeria and Ukraine.
