{"id":125257,"date":"2016-06-19T07:10:00","date_gmt":"2016-06-19T05:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/125257\/arnold-classic-africa-triumph-for-locals\/"},"modified":"2016-06-17T16:36:21","modified_gmt":"2016-06-17T14:36:21","slug":"arnold-classic-africa-triumph-for-locals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/sports-news\/2016\/06\/19\/arnold-classic-africa-triumph-for-locals\/","title":{"rendered":"Arnold Classic Africa triumph for locals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Local bodybuilder Marius Wessels recently returned triumphant from the Arnold Classic Africa 2016 (GCN, May 27).<\/p>\n

He took third place in the masters over 50 bodybuilding division.<\/p>

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Marius\u2019s son Logan also competed at the event and took part in the strict arm curl competition.<\/p>\n

The GCN caught up with Marius, the co-owner of and a personal trainer at Unique Physique in Primrose.<\/p>

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\u201cCompeting at an international competition was a true eye-opener for us,\u201d said Marius.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything is high paced and very professional and all the athletes competing were of the highest standard from throughout Africa.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaking to sportsmen and bodybuilders from all around the world, sharing stories and experiences was an unforgettable experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

The father and son arrived at the event on the Thursday for registration and Marius said it took them from 1pm to 9.30pm that evening to register – a long day and one which showed them the true magnitude of the competition.<\/p>\n

\u201cFriday was show time \u2013 time for war,\u201d Marius said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBackstage all the competitors were waiting nervously.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe divisions go up one by one and finally it was time for the masters division \u2013 I stepped on stage \u2013 the Arnold stage \u2013 I had made it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The first round consisted of posing.<\/p>\n

The competitors had to line up and run through their compulsory poses in front of 12 international judges and the audience.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe step off the stage and wait for the top six to be announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy heart was in my throat and then I heard my name for round two,\u201d said an ecstatic Marius.<\/p>\n

In the second round the competitors pose off against one another and Marius said the comparisons are very tough.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe judges scrutinise every little weak point and possible flaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the months of hard diet and training finally came together and I was announced as taking third position.<\/p>\n

\u201cI exceeded all my expectations and goals,\u201d said Marius.<\/p>\n

It was then Logan\u2019s turn to take on the tough power arm curl contest.<\/p>\n

Weighing in at 64kgs Logan\u2019s first curl was 35kgs and he did this with ease.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe second round saw Logan curling 45kgs and it was a good lift from him which saw him through to the next round,\u201d said Marius.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith the weight edging up to 55kgs in this round, Logan is close to curling his own body weight and his form was slightly off and his lift was not rewarded.\u201d<\/p>\n

His perfect curl at 45kgs, however, was enough to land Logan second place in the competition.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an honour and an incredible and unforgettable experience for the two of us to compete together,\u201d Marius said.<\/p>\n