Local fitness model evokes admiration at the Arnolds
The model search was judged on beauty and grooming, and the former Hoërskool Roodepoort learner proved that she had the look to walk the red carpet on Arnold Schwarzenegger's arm.
One of the qualities required for the Arnolds Model Search winner includes having the “it” factor. The judges look for the typical fitness-model look for a magazine cover, and an aesthetic marketable physique.
The 23-year-old Tanika Pretorius from Weltevreden Park recently competed at the 2022 Arnold Classic Africa (ACA) Sport Festival during the weekend of June 3 to 5 at Ruimsig Stadium.
The model search was judged on beauty and grooming, and the former Hoërskool Roodepoort learner proved that she had the look to walk the red carpet on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s arm.
In a tightly contested affair, Tanika was placed third in the Arnold Model Search SA and she is now all geared up for the Gauteng Provincials that will be held on July 9.
Tanika’s fitness journey started seven months ago when she decided that she wanted to challenge herself a bit more.
“I have always been one for setting goals until I’ve achieved them. In this case I knew it’s a journey and a process, and I did not expect anything to happen overnight.
“I competed in my first-ever fitness competition last year in December, but I don’t think it qualifies as a first competition due to the show running late and ultimately being postponed.
“So my actual first show after five months of preparations was the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Sunfest Gauteng 2022.
“I did not think everything would transpire so rapidly in terms of achieving so much in such a short time.
“After being placed in the top 3 of the best athlete line-up at my first competition I am overwhelmed with excitement but feel tremendously blessed,” said Tanika.
According to Anika her coach had her on a specific diet that made prepping easier than a typical fish and veggie diet.
The diet came with a two-hour daily gym routine and closer to the Arnold they had to up cardio. Then it had to be the dreaded fish and veggie diet in order to achieve the Arnold standard.
Tanika told the Record that they could not find carnival outfits and decided to make their own.
“My mother, sister and I managed to make the perfect outfit, and it was mesmerizing, I felt like a million dollars and when the big day arrived, I packed a whole lot of personality and off I went,” said Tanika.
The ambitious model and entrepreneur is the owner of a promotions company, and owns a contracting company together with her partner.
When not doing prestigious events and photo shoots, Tanika works with the contracting aspect of the businesses.
