North West Novice Champs – Rustenburg
Nervous, yet excited, the North West Novice athletes gathered at the Hellenic Hall in Rustenburg to showcase their fit and trained physiques for the Novice Championships. The event generated much exitement and positive energy among athletes, officials and spectators alike. The Provincials marked a very important occasion for Michael Mitchell, who enjoyed his first event as acting Chairman of IFBB North West.
The afternoon started with the Mens Juniors under 18 division where Tiaan Smith, Jacovan Biljon and Melson Modise competed for the division title. Taking the stage for the first time, these athletes delivered their best to an encouraging crowd cheering them on.
Jaco, a mentally-challenged athlete competed with some guidance from officials, showing once again the positive attitude of IFBB SA in assisting challenged athletes. Lucky for Jaco, his rolemodel, Marius Dohne, performed as guest-poser for the event, entertaining the crowd with his dynamic on stage presence.
A Definite highlight and firm favourite of the evening was the striking beauties competing in the Ladies divisions. The first line up was that of the Fitness Bikini athletes, giving nothing short of a stellarperformance for the panel of judges. Each turn and pose was carried out with precision, giving optimal presentation of their hard work and dedication.
Catha Beukes took the title with Joyce du Plessis coming in second. The Mens divisions produced some impressive talent overall with Melson Modise taking the Junior Under 18 title, Reboane Dioka stood out in the Under 23 under 75kg line-up and Karel Blom walked away as the Lightweight under 70kg winner. Solomon Tladi and Hannes Jansen van Vuuren took the titles in the Light Middleweight 80kg and Heavyweight 90+ kg divisions respectively.
The second half of the evening kicked off with an impressive line up of the Beach Bikini division, grabbing the full attention of the crowd. Toned and tanned physiques were presented to the judges in unfaltering style. It was a tough decision for the judges and in the end it was Alex van der Westhuizen who won them over. Angelique de Vrye took the Ladies Classic trophy, ending off the Ladies divisions on a high note.
When time came for the respective winners to get on stage for the announcement of the overall champ, the athletes presented their best with energetic routines that got spectators enthusiastically applauding them, contributing to the exhilarating atmosphere.
Aneurin Wentzel was annouced as overall winner adding to his under 23 over 75kg win earlier in the evening. The 22 year old described the win as ‘amazing’ and ‘an absolute confidence booster’. Winning Overall Champ was a huge bonus to add to the competition being a first-time competitor.
Chairman Michael Mitchell gave his account of the event: “The North West Novice championship proved that “less is more” with a smaller set up and venue, proving to be explosively succesful”. He also added that Novices are creating a firm foundation for future Proteas.
Gloria Mashigo, who was a judge at the event says she wss very excited for the North Gauteng Novice Champs as the event will be her 1st as Chairlady of IFBB Gauteng North. “I didn’t expect to be appointed as chairperson, it came as asurprise, but I welcome it and look forward to the chairmanship term.” — Elana Theunissen, SportsCentral
- Follow SportsCentral on Twitter
Results For North-West provincials
MEN
Junior U/18 | 1st Melson Modise
2nd Tiaan Smith 3rd Jaco v Biljon |
U/23 Under 75kg | 1st Reboane Dioka
2nd Louw Brink 3rd Tshiana Mogotsi |
U/23 Over 75kg | 1st Aneurin Wentzel
2nd Jaco van Vuuren 3rd Karabo Matlapeng |
Bantam under 65kg | 1st Thabiso Dijana
2nd Daniel Reakae |
Open Division | 1st Rudi Mouton
2nd Peter Tlhole 3rd Moori Ijane |
Light Weight U/70 | 1st Karel Blom
2nd Jacob Letsoro 3rd John Molotelakwena |
Light Middle 80 kg | 1st Solomon Tladi
2nd Karel van Deventer |
Light Heavy 90 kg | 1st Divan Brits
2nd James Phage |
Heavy Weight 90 kg + | 1st Hannes Jansen van Vuuren
2nd Ger-Jee Geyser |
Mens Classic BB | 1st Thanduxolo Mdazo |
WOMEN
Beach Bikini | 1st Alex vd Westhuizen
2nd Ciemone vd Westhuizen 3rd Idonette Le Grange |
Bikini Fitness | 1st Catha Beukes
2nd Joyce du Plessis 3rd Letitia Grimbeek |
Body Fitness | 1st Marcelle Coulson
2nd Renee Macaulay |
Ladies BB Classic | Angelique de Vrye |