Personal fitness trainer, Ryno van Heerden, from Jeffreys Bay, recently took first place in the men’s physique over 178cm at the IFBB South Africa’s National Championships and was chosen to represent South Africa at the IFBB South African National Championships, which has been his lifelong dream.
Ryno, who is a personal fitness trainer at Xclusive Fitness was inspired by his father, Thys van Heerden, who competed as a body-builder for most of his life and won when he represented South Africa in two different federations.
When Thys retired as a body-builder at the age of 52, Ryno said he was motivated to start training and competing as a body-builder and has continued to do so for the last eight years where he has reached great success thus far.
“My father has been my biggest inspiration and motivation to do what I do today,” said Ryno.
Since the start of the year, he has competed in at least six different competitions, including the world-famous Arnold Classic Africa 2022.
His hard work this year has seen him taking first place in four competitions and winning three overall line-ups.
On September 3, Ryno represented the Eastern Cape at the IFBB SA’s National Championships where he took first place in the men’s physique over 178cm.
After his outstanding performance at the national championships, three days later he received a call from the IFBB president, Wayne Price, who informed him that he had been selected to represent South Africa at the IFBB World Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in Spain from November 2-7.
“When he told me that I had been selected for the world championships I was very quiet because I did not expect that at all, but it was the greatest feeling that I just cannot explain to anyone. I felt like a kid at Christmas,” said Ryno.
“I am hoping to achieve my dream of participating in the world championships where I will stand against the best of the best.”
He said he is a goal-driven, positive and open-minded athlete who puts in all his efforts into the sport of body-building to reach the top.
Since it is Ryno’s dream to reach the top and compete against the world’s best body builders while representing his country and home town, he said he needs the assistance of his community for sponsorship to make his dream a reality.
He said as part of the competition he is required to cover a certain amount of the costs which include flights, visas, accommodation, and registration fees.
“It’s been my life’s dream to one day stand on a world stage, and placing top six would be the biggest achievement for me, and of course winning would be the ultimate prize,” said Ryno.
“My ultimate dream is to earn a pro card in the body-building sport and becoming a professional athlete.”
- For more information or to contribute to his trip to Spain, contact Ryno van Heerden 081 259 8376 or e-mail rynovh@yahoo.com.
