Zimbabwe: Athletes in Final Workouts Ahead of Bodybuilding Contest

IT was all work and no play at some of the best gyms around the country yesterday as some of athletes went through their final workouts in preparation for the Mr and Ms Zimbabwe bodybuilding contest.

Registration for the contest closes this morning while the pre-judging will be held this evening at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale.
The competition has been set for tomorrow at the same venue.

With defending champion Walter Munyikwa choosing not to defend his title, three-time winner Givemore Marume becomes the pre-event favourite. Marume trains at Pro-Fitness Gym alongside Blessing Samaringa, who is challenging for the coveted title from the lightweight division where he is upbeat about his chances.

"Last year was my first time and I finished second in the section behind George Munyoro but I am hoping to do better this time.

"I have made the best of my preparations and I am just waiting for tomorrow," said Samaringa.

Another hopeful in the lightweight section is Frank Nago from the modest Karoi Gym.

"This is my first time at the Mr Zimbabwe show but I am not scared," said Nago.

Another Karoi-based hulk, Saunders Kavhu, is hoping to stun the more illustrious athletes like Marume, Spencer Bauti and Tarisai Chirume.

Mufakose Gym's Clyde Mutero also believes that he has a very good chance.
The middleweight section is expected to have all the fireworks with the ageless Elvis Chibhamu, Mr Iron Man Zumailer Eusen-Manan and Collin Mushunje fighting for honours.

Chenai Mabwere was also busy working out at Empire Gym while Isaac "Sugar" Chimuchere is expected to come from Mtapa Gym in Gweru.

In the women's section, Sabina Marowa is set to defend her crown against Charity Juma of Bulawayo.