HARARE - Two years of hard work in the gym finally paid off for Marondera-based upcoming bodybuilder Blessing Nyapimbi after he won the Mr Novice title here yesterday.
The unheralded 23-year-old warmed up for the big award by winning the prize for the best lat, largely a product of shoulder flexibility, mid-way into the seniors male contest as the organisers spiced up the event that was well backed by an appreciating audience.
Nyapimbi beat Paul Matimba and Kudzai Makombe, who were placed second and third respectively while Godwin Mhaka, Gideon Teguru and Manzini Tinashe completed the top six positions in a contest participated by 13 athletes.
“This is just the beginning of a great journey in bodybuilding,” Nyapimbi told the Daily News on Sunday.
“This has never been an easy one but from what I have learnt so far, focus and hard work constitutes the hall mark for success.
“From here I will try and emulate my predecessor, Garikayi Mujuru and who knows maybe one day I will end up in Naples as a world champion just like Victor Hunger.”
The event started off with U90kg world number one, Victor Hungwe giving a moving message of inspiration to the bodybuilding beginners.
He said: “Today’s event takes me a couple of years back (2005) in the dusty streets of Mkoba, Gweru where I started pumping iron in a backyard gyms to Naples, Italy becoming a world champion.
“With my experience, the road to the top is pivotal to one’s success and discipline will determine your era.”
Two- time Mr Botswana, former junior Mr Zimbabwe and three time junior Mr Ironman; Munashe Mutandirotya delivered a speech on bodybuilding fundamentals, nutrition and steroids.
Reginald Pasara, Junior Mr Zimbabwe, did guest-posing while previous Mr Novice champion, Garikayi Mujuru bowed down to calls from the crowd and did a snap pose.
The disappointing development of the day was the absence of the female participants hence reducing the contest to just Mr Novice.
Reigning Ms Musclemania, Hellen Costa, who was one of the judges at yesterday event, lamented the no show by her female counterparts.
“It was quite educating because I didn’t think there was so much talent out there and for first timers these men actually gave us a round for our money,” said Costa.
The event also saw Thomas Rwodzi being crowned the Junior Mr Novice ahead of Terrence Nyoni and Takudzwa Kaisi in second and third place respectively.
Prince Matsika finished fourth, Ezekias Rusere and Edward Maenzanise got in fifth and sixth place respectively.
The fitness physique was won by Keamson Mujuru with Ezekias Rusere, Gideon Teguru and Anyway Mawire finishing in their respectively second to sixth place.