At 42 Werlou van Tonder is a seasoned bodybuilding veteran who has defied expectations and achieved remarkable success in the sport.
His most recent notable achievement being obtaining his Physical Culture Association (PCA) Pro Card after two years of intense training, dieting and competing.
The Strand local began his athletic journey as a rugby player at Hoërskool Strand and later Stellenbosch University, when he pursued a tertiary qualification in Sport Science.
During recovery from a rugby injury back in 2006 a chance encounter with a trainer during a gym session sparked an unexpected passion.
“I was spending a lot of time in the gym and built a lot of muscle. You could say my body wasn’t built for rugby anymore, and I was convinced by a personal trainer at the time to take up bodybuilding. I haven’t looked back since.”
Despite having no prior experience, Van Tonder quickly immersed himself in the world of bodybuilding, adopting a strict diet and training regime. His dedication paid off, as he dominated his first competition as well as others during his first year, winning all amateur competitions he entered in the light heavyweight category.
It was a strong start to his career and it motivated him to become the best he could be.
Over the years Van Tonder climbed the ranks, winning numerous national titles and representing South Africa at international championships. Highlights of his career include a sixth-place finish at the Amateur Olympia and a second-place win at the Bahrain Arnold Classic as well as winning the South African Championships and Welsh Championships when he stayed in the UK for about four years.
“The path to bodybuilding glory has been challenging and involves a lot of sacrifices,” explained Van Tonder. “Balancing intense training, strict dieting, and the demands of competition has taken a toll on personal relationships and sometimes even mental health.”
He also emphasised the financial strain required to reach the top, and highlighted the importance of support and resources.
Despite these challenges, Van Tonder remained driven by a desire for continuous improvement. He credits his perseverance and dedication for his success, acknowledging that while he may not have achieved the ultimate goal of becoming the greatest, he has built character and resilience throughout his bodybuilding journey.
“When I first started off I felt like a hero and I wanted to be the best,” he recalled. “But life had other plans for me and I’m grateful to have achieved what I have. It’s been an incredible, special journey and I can honestly say that despite the challenges, I persevered and challenged myself to the extent that I became the best version of myself, and that is the ultimate goal.”
After an intense two-year competition period, Van Tonder has decided to take a break from the stage.
He plans to bulk up over the next year and explore the possibility of winning a professional show before ultimately retiring from competitive bodybuilding. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, he aims to continue sharing his passion for the sport as a personal trainer.
