Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
LAST Saturday was a joyful day for Bulawayo’s female bodybuilder, Shantel Bhatch as she excelled at the Pumas Classic held in Secunda, South Africa where she entered two categories.
The 35-year old won the bikini 35 years plus before she settled for fourth place in the wellness open.
“I did two categories, took first place in the 35 years plus where there were seven of us and fourth place in the wellness open which had 19 competitors,’’ Bhatch said.
She described the outdoor event as an interesting one since it had mixed judges from different federations.
“It was an interesting show, the judging was totally different from the normal where everyone is from one federation, they were all from different federations, which made it spicy,’’ she said. On her plans for the rest of the year, Bhatch said she is planning to take part in more competitions in South Africa, which include the Arnold Classic Africa set for 3-5 June.
“There are a few other shows I’ve been invited to, one being on the 29th of April in Cape Town, William Bonac, then there is the Pro-qualifier on the 4th of June and there is one of the 28th of May, I’ve been invited to all of them and of course I am supposed to be doing Arnold Classic,’’ said Bhatch.
All these plans depend on how good her sponsorship is as she needs funds for dieting and travelling.
“It’s going to be a busy year depending on how my sponsorship goes, as far as competition goes, I am willing, ready and able to compete, I feel like this is my year going through as many competitions as I possibly can,’’ she said.
On her plans locally, she indicated that she can only participate in national events if they expand the categories for females.
According to Bhatch, she was advised in South Africa that her proper category is wellness physic and not bikini fitness.
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