The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
HE is one of the few police officers who are taking sports seriously. He has a dream that one of these days he will represent the country and contest in international contests.
The 29-year-old Tafadzwa Mikiya is confident that he will make it in the world of bodybuilding.
Mikiya, from Body Active Gym in Mutare made his grand entry onto the scene when he won gold at the 2016 Commissioner’s Gala held in Harare last month.
He outshone 15 other contestants to win his maiden award.
In an interview early this week, the bodybuilder said he hope to keep on adding silverwares to his ever growing career. He also could not hide his excitement and said winning gold at the sports gala was his best moment ever.
“I was very happy to be crowned the winner and it was one of my best moments in life. I am now focusing on turning professional and contest in big prestigious events. In the near future, I see myself participating in big events like Mr Ironman and Mr Zimbabwe. I want to turn professional and I am currently working very hard,” he said.
Mikiya who is stationed at Mutare Central Police, said he started bodybuilding last because he wanted to remain fit while carrying out his duties as a police officer.
“I started bodybuilding a year ago. The nature of my job demands that one remains fit and healthy. I have passion for it and decided to take it as a sport,” he added. Mikiya is working slowly towards realising his goal after participating in several contests.
He is aiming to participate in the Mr Novice 2017 and is also eyeing the prestigious world renowned Arnold Classic.
“I first participated in the Mr Dangamvura 2015 and I came second. In the same year, I participated in the Mr Manicaland and came second again. Early this year I took part in the Mr Knights of Champions of Mutare and I scooped a silver medal. My best moment was at the Commissioner’s Sports Gala where I won gold in the middle weight category.
I went on to participate in the heavy weight category of the same gala and settled for fifth position out of 15 participants. For me it was a great achievement. My next contest is Mr Novice 2017.
I have already started preparations for the big event. I am really working very hard. I also aspire to take part in international events as soon as I turn professional,” he added.
Mikiya said one of the challenges that he faced in trying to mould his career is lack of sponsorship.
“Bodybuilding is a challenging and expensive sport. Preparing for any contest demands money. One must go to a well equipped gym and also a good diet is needed. It is not easy to get a sponsor and I think it is because many people don’t understand bodybuilding. Many people don’t recognise bodybuilding as a sport. Instead they associate it with violence.
There are a lot of misconceptions about the sport and most people with a financial muscle are not willing to support it, save for a few who respect and support us.
“People must understand that background and skeleton of most sporting activities depend on bodybuilding. You cannot be a good athlete when you are not fit,” he said.
