After two heart surgeries and a mentality to succeed, a Helderkruin resident has been crowned Mr Body Beautiful South Africa and Body Fitness Model of the Year.
Matthew Larkins entered the Body Beautiful South Africa, held at Vodaworld in Midrand last weekend (22 November) after 330 days of intense training and hard work.
“It felt surreal to have my name called out as the winner. It’s unbelievable to have finally reached my goal and to have all the hours I put in to be recognized,” said Larkins.
The former Hoërskool Monument pupil and current candidate attorney had to overcome two heart operations at ages 14 and 16 for an aortic valve replacement. His doctors had advised him not to do contact sport or lift weights.
“I had to find an alternative to keep myself healthy. I didn’t ignore the advice of the doctors, but I did what I thought was best for me,” said Larkins.
Larkins credits his trainer and current International Federation of Body Builders champion (IFBB) George Herwill for his success in the competition.
“He was the one who initially inspired me to start body fitness and with him as my personal trainer, I have achieved all my goals and I’m grateful to him,” said Larkins.
Larkins said his reasons for competing in the sport may have started out as a hobby but he now wants to motivate others.
“I want to show people that if you want something, you can get it. I want to inspire other people to go after their goals no matter what condition they are in. My two heart surgeries should have been a setback but I persevered,” said Larkins.
The candidate lawyer, who is currently doing his articles, plans to continue with bodybuilding as a hobby and compete in more competitions next year.
“I had to work my butt off to get where I am and I’m not about to quit. This is a good lifestyle for me, refraining from things like alcohol, chocolate and junk food is hard, but has paid off. I don’t want to go back to being how I was,” said Larkins.
