The opportunity to travel overseas for the first time and represent South Africa at the World Championships of Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness will be a lifelong dream come true for 69-year-old Cornelius Hendricks.
No stranger to bodybuilding competitions, the Gordon’s Bay resident’s most recent achievement is placing second at the national championships last year. It was also the second time Hendricks had been selected for the world championships, the previous time was last year (“Gordon’s Bay body builder off to Manchester”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 8 February 2023).
“Unfortunately I couldn’t go last year due to a shortage of funds. It was really disappointing, but I am hopeful that the community can contribute towards my fundraising campaign and help me make my dream come true this year,” he related.
Hendricks is the brother of the late Johannes Hendricks, who was well-known in body-building circles around the world, and a friend of legendary international strongman and winner of 26 IFBB professional titles, Ronald Coleman.
“I’ve worked really hard for the past few years and I feel [my body is] in a great condition,” he said.
“Since my younger years I’ve been helping others to train and get into shape, I’ve advised and motivated dozens of youngsters, but now I feel it’s my time to shine, and I want to do something for myself. I visit the gym daily and I go for the pain, as the saying goes, ‘no pain no gain’.”
The world championships will be held in the Netherlands in June, and Hendricks said aside from training he will host fundraisers and other initiatives to raise the R45 000 required for the trip.
“I appeal to all the people with a good heart to assist me and contribute towards my target,” he implored.
“Last year I had to cut my dream short due to lack of funds. As a 69-year-old I do not know when I will get another opportunity such as this.”
To get in touch with Hendricks to support him, call 074 866 9838.
