A female bodybuilder who has just clinched a gold medal says everyone should pursue their dreams, regardless of their gender.
Philile Gumede from Nkobongo in Shakaskraal says being a woman did not stop her from trying her hand at the largely male-dominated sport of bodybuilding.
The 34-year old proved her hunger for success when she clinched the gold medal, on debut, in the Ladies Physique category of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness KZN Open Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships 2024, held in Durban last month.
Although she was placed fourth in the Ladies Physique category of the IFBB SA National Championships in Durban which took place last week she said that this did not stop her from wanting to make a name for herself in the industry and to prove to others that women were just as capable as men.
Gumede said that her workout routine consisted of lifting a lot of heavy weights and subscribing to a balanced diet as she was required to maintain a certain size with plenty of muscles.
She said that she experienced a fair number of challenges in her field.
“The sport has a huge impact on my finances. Since one has to bulk up during off-season, you have to eat as much as you can to have the kind of body that is required.
“However, it is very challenging to maintain that due to the hefty expense of food, the supplements that are required and the weights. Particularly, since I do not have a sponsor I have to fund everything for myself and it is difficult,” said Gumede.
She said that her job as a waitress also kept her on her feet for long hours.
Gumede tried her hand at soccer when she was six years old, and when she was much older she took up basketball for a short period.
“I decided to move to the Eastern Cape and lived with my brother for five years before eventually moving back to KZN and finding a job as a waitress at a restaurant.
“While at work, I came across this man who used to gym relentlessly so I asked if I could join him and he agreed. I just wanted to keep fit but when I started getting compliments about my physique I decided to actually do something with my body and I have never looked back,” said Gumede.
She hopes to compete internationally but fears that her dream might not come true due to a lack of funds and sponsorship.
However, her message to other young girls is to follow their dreams no matter how hard it is. “Whatever you want to do is possible, as long as you put your mind to it and work hard at achieving it. Being a female should not stop you from achieving your goals,” said Gumede.
Her coach Mgcini Moyo said he was confident that Gumede would continue to excel in bodybuilding and go on to represent South Africa one day.