Spring Classic showcases quality bodybuilding

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The vibe at the International Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (IBFF) Spring Classic, in Mossel Bay last weekend, was electrifying.

Participating athletes and their supporters alike showed fantastic spirit, after a long drought of not being able to compete due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Organiser, Rochelle Smit, Mossel Bay's very own over 40 IBFF SA champion and former world champion, dedicated the event that drew 47 athletes from all over the country to her loved ones who passed away.

Smit, when planning the event, decided to hold it in memory of her best friend, Sue Allison van Heerden. Then, her father, Johan van der Bank passed away suddenly in July this year.

"I am tremendously grateful to all my sponsors who gave so generously. We held the event over the long weekend to boost the local economy."

Aaron Baron with this father, Graham.

New at this year's event, were the junior categories for children. The youngest to compete was Grade 1 learner, Aaron Baron, who had the judges eating from his little hand.

Aaron is a learner at Park Primary.

His father Graham, who judged in the adult categories, says his son enjoyed joining him at the gym and practising bodybuilding poses from a young age.

Although there were not many youth competitors this year, this category is expected to grow substantially.

Niel Hamman in the heavyweight category, over 90kg.

This, explained head judge and IBFF president Arnie Williams, will be due to the federation's focus on sports development among the youth.

Williams said the IBFF in 2019 launched a global youth development programme involving different sport codes including bodybuilding. According to Williams, exposure to this programme will allow youth to participate and develop in the sport code of their choice, not necessarily only focusing on bodybuilding.

"To date, we have been fortunate to develop 60 new athletes in rural areas in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. The pandemic slowed down our rollout, but we are heading for the Southern Cape soon to continue our work," Williams said at the event.

Athletes, including favourites such as Eddy Baxter, who competes in the veteran category for over 50 year olds, received thunderous applause. Another first at the event was the category for disabled athletes. Here, the Eastern Cape's Max Kulati earned a standing ovation and was invited by Williams to compete in the world championship later this year. In fact, Williams invited several athletes to the world championship, based on their merit and offered them useful tips on how to up their game.

"The IBFF is like a family. I know the athletes and like getting involved with them."

Photo gallery: International Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (IBFF) Spring Classic

Williams said that, contrary to popular belief, the athletes' condition was of particular high standard despite gyms being closed during the hard lockdown in 2020.

"Those who wanted to stay committed, made a plan to do so. Also, because the athletes had a bit of a forced break, their bodies had a chance to recover, allowing them to be in top form."

Daniel van der Walt is in the light heavy category (up to 90kg).