The Sunday News
Lance Chigodo, Sunday Leisure Correspondent
PROMINENT bodybuilder, Simbarashe Mhaka walked away a champion in the Beach Modelling category at the International Kuwait Cup bodybuilding competitions held in Kuwait on 20 October.
After earning his pro-card in May at the Pretoria Classic in South Africa, Mhaka’s journey to his first competition dubbed Mr Universe which was held in Brazil was a failure due to visa delays.
Although very disappointed and demoralised the master of physique did not stop working hard and looked forward to the next event on his schedule which was the International Kuwait Cup where he dominated the Beach Modelling Category and walked away with the grand prize and championship trophy.
“I was so hurt after failing to make it to Mr Universe and people made it worse by bad mouthing the whole thing saying I spent funds I received from donations for the event and made up the visa story. I am so happy about my achievement. This was my first line up as a pro and I became first. I am also very happy this victory silenced all the critics,” he added.
The 29-year-old bodybuilder also mentioned how tough the competition was in Kuwait and how he learnt a lot of things.
His movement from amateur bodybuilding to professional bodybuilding changed a lot in his career with a number of limitations and delimitations coming with it.
“Amateur bodybuilding in terms of stage is a bit strict on posing compared to pro bodybuilding. The best part about pro bodybuilding is that an athlete is guaranteed to compete for good prize money and the disadvantage is that you will be limited to your federation and all amateur shows will be out of bounds for you,” he said.
He also explained how pro-life demands dedication, good habits, hard work and the need to be able to balance career and social life.
“Pro-life needs someone to be loyal to bodybuilding values, diet and a lot of focus. What you eat determines how you look and you need to focus on that and work like a horse,” he emphasised.
Mhaka also founded a successful fitness academy at Total Fitness Gym in Harare called G.S (Godwin Simbarashe) Fitness Academy named after him where he trains bodybuilders and any other clients who want to lose body fat.
He established the academy in 2015 with Edvaldo Mateu as the admin and Rachel Zvidzai and as marketing manager.
The champion currently has his eyes on the Common Wealth Championships which will be held in Australia next year in April.
