Macassar bodybuilder shines on world stage

Bodybuilder Johannes Hendricks, a Macassar resident, recently returned from the International Federation of Bodybuilders' (IFBB's) Senior Men's World Bodybuilding Championships in Egypt, where he beat professional athletes to be ranked 14th in the world.

Participating in the senior bantamweight category, Johannes says he was up against some of the world's finest bodybuilders who practice the sport full-time.

"Only the top fifteen in the world are listed. Every bodybuilder knows it, with the result that competition for those fifteen places are fierce. To be ranked among the top takes some doing," says Johannes.

He was one of a South African squad of five who represented IFBB South Africa at the tournament.

The team included Justin Thacker (lightweight), Mr South Africa Shameen Adams (lightweight) Chris Pillay (welterweight) and Eugene van Schalkwyk (welterweight) .

Working as a senior supervisor for the Helderberg Administration, this 45-year-old grandfather and father of three had to scrape everything together and call in all favours to scrape the money together to be able to represent South Africa against the best from all over the world in the bantamweight (u/65kg) division.

"I approached a number of companies and individuals for sponsorship but no one was willing to help me," says Hendrick.

He left many competitors in the dust with his stage presence and performance.

So impressed were the international panel of judges by his muscle tone and overall form that their points catapulted him into the top 15 world ranking, where he is now placed fourth.

"It has always been my dream to reach the top in bodybuilding and it has taken 14 years in the sport for me to make it to where I am today.

"To be among the top three in South Africa in the bantamweight division has been my goal.

"Last year I made it to fifth place and this year ended second in South Africa.

"Since only the top two in the divisions were chosen for the championship, it was my turn on the world stage," says Johannes.

He says the experience of rubbing shoulders with the best and brightest in bodybuilding has literally been an eye-opener for him.

"There is much work to be done in South Africa to achieve the level of professionalism of some overseas competitors. You can just shake your head in amazement when bodybuilders tell you about their sport - that bodybuilding is a full-time career for them," Johannes says.

Asked what judges look for in a championship bodybuilder, Johannes says two main things are to looked for by the judges - the definition of the muscle and the proportion of the body as a whole.

"Definition refers to how well-developed every muscle group is and how well it shows when you strike a pose.

"Body proportions are that the various parts like the upper and lower body are the correct proportions. A well-developed upper body without the legs and calves to complement it, will not count in your favour," says Johannes.

He is a well-known face on the Muscle Mania circuit in South Africa and has since 1978 earned a number of titles such as the Cape Classic. He is a seven-time Western Province title holder - an achievement that has its roots in a bodybuilder who started out in a garage.

Today, Johannes makes his way to West Workout Gymnasium in Somerset West five times a week, where he spends an average of two-and-a half to three hours carving his body beautiful.

Six times winner

Snatching first places six times in the Muscle Mania competition testifies to Johannes' winning form. "Perhaps a lot of people don't realise it but bodybuilding does not only involve lifting weights to build muscles, but you must watch what you eat as well.

"Building muscles and maintaining the tone thereof requires knowledge of what to eat and what not," he says.

Johannes says that one of his goals is to get the youth in the Helderberg, but especially in Macassar, interested in the sport.

He plans to start a bodybuilding club for the neighbourhood teenagers. Anyone interested in bodybuilding and joining the club is welcome to phone him on 082 447 9440.