Local bodybuilders to represent KZN at SA champs
The bodybuilders' placings have qualified them to represent their province at the South African Championships in Pretoria on Saturday, 7 October.
NOVICE competitive bodybuilders, Shannon Foord (24) and Wesley Van Der Heever (25) competed in the National Amateur Bodybuilding Association (NABBA) Provincial Championships last Sunday, 24 September.
The bodybuilders’ placings have qualified them to represent their province at the South African Championships in Pretoria on Saturday, 7 October.
This was Shannon’s first competition and she placed first in the beach model division. Fellow local, Wesley placed first in the men’s novice division.
Shannon began training in the gym some two years ago and has grown passionate about health and fitness.
“The bodybuilding side only became an interest to me this year after I went with a friend to watch a bodybuilding show. Watching other women on that stage made me want to compete and get serious about my training and diet,” said Shannon.
The bodybuilder explained just why she loves the sport.
“I love the confidence it gives you. You feel strong and amazing in this body you worked hard for. A lot of people don’t actually know the effort it takes to get your body into a good condition but it is so rewarding to put in the effort and see the results,” she said.
Shannon is currently a fashion designer specialising in seamless underwear.
With regards to nationals, she is both nervous and excited. “Just being on the KZN stage for the first time was daunting and now I’m going to be representing KZN on the SA stage – it’s a massive honour.”
She recommends that those interested should ‘go for it’.
“It’s hard work and daily motivation is required, but the health rewards and the body you gain are worth it,” she said. Shannon does recommend seeking advice with regards to dieting and how to go about bodybuilding correctly.
Wesley has been training at the gym for some seven years and only this year took up bodybuilding.
“I have always admired the guys’ physiques on the Olympia stage and have wanted to pursue it ever since,” said Wesley. “The physical change in my physique as well as the strength goals that I have overcome is just a huge reward on its own among being part of a large family of fitness people just makes me feel happy and at peace.”
Wesley has recently taken up a position as an estate agent at Harcourts Sapphire Coast in Amanzimtoti. The bodybuilder feels honoured to have achieved the opportunity to represent his province at nationals.
“I haven’t represented my province or country at any sport until now. I’m rather excited and stoked to be a part of it all,” he said.
The duo hope that the Amanzimtoti community supports them along their journey.
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