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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
REIGNING Mr Zimbabwe Men’s Physique Ryan Gumbo won big in South Africa at the weekend when he took first place in the Men’s Muscular Physique 179cm and also scooped the overall prize in the physique category at the Arnold Classic Competition held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Sunday.

The competition was launched in 2016 as a multi-sport festival that features bodybuilding, strongman, weightlifting and a large fitness expo.

Gumbo, who waited two years to attend the event due to suspension of sporting events caused by stringent Covid-19 lockdowns, made history for himself and the country by coming out tops.

What makes his victory more special is that it pushes him towards his dream of becoming the first Zimbabwean to attain an International Federation of Body Building and Fitness (IFBB) pro-card in the men’s physique.

“I am excited that l have increased my chances of getting a IFBB pro-card. To get the pro-card, you need to apply for it, which is what l will now be doing. My dream is to become the first in the country to get the card,” said Gumbo.

For one to get the prestigious IFBB pro-card, a person must train exceptionally hard, compete in various competitions and be ranked high in those competitions.

Once the bodybuilder ranks high in regional contest weight class, they must then compete in national championships.

“This is a special moment for me. I have been working towards this in the past two years. This is really a dream come. It was not easy having to train from home due to Covid-19, but I managed to defy the odds against me in my preparation.

“Special thanks to my sponsors Ryan TG Fitness & Nutrition-TrySupps Zimbabwe and FitnessFirst and everyone who supported me in this journey, not forgetting my wife Athene Chawira for a job well done,” Gumbo said. — @innocentskizoe