Almost 10 months of preparation, and putting in the hours for cardio and weight training, and adhering to an intensive diet, all paid off when Caitlin Hoffman (26), a bodybuilder from Jeffreys Bay, was placed first in two different divisions and was crowned the bikini champion at both provincial and national competitions.
Passionate about bodybuilding, Hoffman participated in the Eastern Cape Provincial Bodybuilding show held in Gqeberha on September 2, where she was placed first in the trained bikini and sports mode divisions.
In addition, for the second consecutive year, she was crowned as the Eastern Cape Bikini Champion.
Despite her great achievement in the provincial championships which she was proud of, Hoffman said her main goal this year was to compete at the Physical Culture Association’s (PCA) South African Championships, held in Gauteng on September 23.
Fortunately, after winning at the provincial show earlier in September, she was invited to participate in the esteemed PCA championships where she proudly represented her country.
“I was honoured to be invited to compete against the best of the best in South Africa. I received my SA Colours upon arrival and will wear them proudly,” said Hoffman.
She further said that the PCA federation, of which she is a member, went above and beyond for their athletes.
Hoffman said that being able to compete at national level and representing not only her province, but also her small town, was an incredible experience.
Finally, after dedicating 10 months to training and adhering to an intensive diet, her hard work paid off when she was placed first in both divisions, sports model and trained bikini.
She said that she was also chosen to stand in a line-up against all the winners, where she was awarded the overall SA Bikini Champion title for 2023.
She said that although the measures seem extreme to be able to obtain the results needed, she finds that they have become a part of her everyday life.
“I love routine, and routine helps me to stay consistent, and consistency helps me achieve my goals,” said Hoffman.
Even though she accomplished all her goals for the year, she said that she has a bigger goal in mind for next year, when she plans to work towards receiving her PCA pro card, which will enable her to compete at a higher level.
“Having a pro card means that you have done one or more amateur bodybuilding competitions and have excelled to a high enough level that the judges believe that you are ready to compete at a higher level,” said Hoffman.
“The PCA only hands over two pro cards per year, so it will be a difficult goal to achieve, but everything seems impossible until it becomes possible.”
To obtain her pro card, Hoffman said that she will be jumping straight into training from the beginning of November.
