Msuthu talks competing in Natural bodybuilding
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APPRECIATE YOUR TIME BRO. CAN YOU FIRSTLY EXPLAIN WHAT EXACTLY IS NATURAL BODYBUILDING?
It's basically bodybuilding for bodybuilders who abstain from PED's. Substances like steroids, insulin, diuretics and growth hormone.
They use random selection for drug tests, sometimes it's urinary test or lie detector test or both
SO WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO GO THE NATURAL BODYBUILDING ROUTE?
For health reasons, I'm a self coaching athlete, coaching other athletes (especially youth: learners and students) . I did an extensive research on doping before I started doing bodybuilding cz everyone told me that I would never make without using the PEDs..but instead of allowing the pressure, I decided to train and only use the stage as a deadline for me to reach a certain short to medium goal at hand . Then, I developed strategies (training methods and diet) that will help me be competitive even against the 'users' . "I'd rather look smaller and feel good than looking big and unhappy.
I'VE HEARD FROM OTHER ATHLETES HOW COMPLICATED COMPETINGINTERNATIONALLY CAN BE. LET'S TALK ABOUT PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO SIGNAPORE, WHAT WAS THAT PROCESS LIKE?
I don't have any sponsorship, finding financial support was the most difficult thing cz I ended up skipping gym sessions for me to go around knocking at people's doors. But I couldn't get the assistance, I created a crowd funding campaign online, that's where I managed to raise up to R20K (just under half of what I needed for the trip). People from South Africa donated , shared the link with their friends, Nkandla municipality (home town) also helped with raising the funds. I booked a flight ticket early so that I push myself not to give up (with the money that I had ). Friends and strangers helped me raise the money.
AND THE TRIP?
Trip , it was scary because I know Singapore is the strictest country (what if they don't let me in until after the show?) But everything went smoothly, when I got there, struggled to find diet friendly foods . Finally managed to find shops with food I needed, even though I had little time to prepare cz 2 days I was on the flight . Started training on Wednesday at the hotel.
YOUR EXPERIENCE ONCE YOU FINALLY STEPPED ON THAT STAGE?
Competition was amazing, quality athletes from all over the world wanting a Pro card . I was the only black person the entire show . I enjoyed the show, very professional organizers and athletes, made friends rather than rivals. Fair judgement I think.
Celumusa placed 3rd in classic physique and 4th in mens physique.
SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAD A GREAT TIME AND ENJOYED YOURSELF! YOUR OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF SINGAPORE AS A COUNTRY TO TRAVEL TO AND COMPETE IN?
The country is amazing, good people, cleanest country no single paper /litter on the streets. The weather is very similar to ours in South Africa (hot and rainy summer)
Advanced technology , pay with a card conveniently even for taxis ..but it's not cheap if you're using SA currency(S$1 ~ R13)
LETS TALK A BIT ABOUT YOUR TEAM. I LIKE THE WORK YOU ARE DOING WITH MS FITNESS ISLAND. WHICH ATHLETES SHOULD WE BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR?
Most of my clients are students/learners so they compete part time (financial and time constants) not really consistent. JC (Juan Craig Hurley) is doing well and he's been consistent. I'm hoping for the best that he will make it to the top purely with my guidance. He's been dominating.
Luyanda (junior athlete), I took him to the Musclemania Africa early Oct..he's progressing nicely as well.
Next year I'm bringing back this beast Thembalethu on stage, he's a junior bodybuilder as well.
Msuthu has also been pushing units in the streets, he owns the msfitness clothing line. The look and feel of the brand is tropical, typified by the Palm tree logo. I really like the tropical/carribean colours and design of the clothes, it's uncommon in S.A. where most gym wear brands are hardcore and use the darker hard hitting colours.
