Kael's Journey
15 August 2015
Background: Contact sports, rugby league, martial arts, boxing, and powerlifting. I was always intrigued about the commitment and dedication that went into competing in a bodybuilding competition. In 2013, I was challenged to compete in a bodybuilding show by Fabian Korzelius. He would be competing in the BOP NABBA Regional show in Whakatane in 2015. Fabian had a vast background in bodybuilding. He was a natural athlete and someone I looked up to. For his size, 80kg, 178cm, he could lift on a average around what most of the big guys in the gym could lift if not more. This inspired me. So on being challenged by him, I took on the challenge.
Before I knew it, it was 2015. In February, the decision was made to prepare for Whakatane comp which would be held on August 1st. I was 100.3kgs on first weigh in. To compete in the Athletic class, I was required to lose over 18 teen kg, to make weight and come in under 7% body fat percentage for quality condition. This was mind blowing and overwhelming considering I was over 30% body fat and carried a bad injury from a freak boxing injury I incurred in August 2014, completely tearing my archilies tendon clean off and my calf mussel in half. I had to put my money where my mouth was! I accepted the challenge and away we went.
Before long we were ready to set on stage for my first competition. We cleaned up. I placed third in my class, Manuel came first place in Novice class and Fabian come first in Open Men's Athletic and took out overall Men's Athletic Mr Bay of Plenty. Both Manuel and Fabian were invited to Mr Universe in the Philippines in November this year. We also took out Best Gym overall and took home the BOP Bodybuilding Regional shield.
Wow!! What a first time experience it was- and more so Qualified for the New Zealand NABBA National Bodybuilding competition this year in October. Funds were tight (being a very expensive sport) and us all having young families, a friend recommended we post on the 'give a little' page. We all work hard and we would hope that through hard work and faith, we could be examples to future upcoming young athletes, and in hope do well at National competition Representing the BOP Region.
I would just like to bless you in all that you put your mind too. Anything is possible with faith and hard work. Thank you for all your support, and in the greatest way, may we be an encouragement to others, near and far.
Yours truthfully,
Kael Jason Tuhimata.