Shikongo chases the pro bodybuilder dream

Bodybuilding
Andrew Poolman
  • 1 Day Ago 20 November 2024
Bodybuilders all over the country had a rare opportunity to show their best form at the Iron House Classic hosted at Wanderers Sport Club in Windhoek recently.

Miss Namibia 2022, Cassia Sharpley, and Stefan Shikongo from Ongwediva were awarded the overall women’s and men’s winners.

Following an absence in the hosting of any local competitions during 2023, and with the Ironhouse Classic being the first for the current calendar year, the event became an opportunity to determine the unofficial reigning national champions in each category.

Two well-respected invited judges were Louis Bessinger (eight-time IFBB South African champion; overall junior world champion and internationally accredited judge) and Cindy Dredge (reigning 2024 IFBB SA body-fitness overall champion).

Sharpley posted on her social media: “Nothing could have prepared me for this moment because of the year I have faced. I’m so grateful to God for lifting me up in this way and reminding me who I am.”

Shikongo told Sport Wrap he is quite impressed with the trophy handed over to the overall winner and says with six entries in the heavyweight division, the competition was “quite deep”.

“I must commend the guys who gave me a run for my money. You are all champions in my eyes.”

Shikongo, who works as the manager and trainer at Wild Mustang Gym in Ongwediva, expressed the hope that the most recent competition will inspire organisers and bodybuilders to ensure a more active events schedule.

Shikongo also revealed that he feels ready to take a big next step in his career as a bodybuilder.

“During next year I intend competing in two shows abroad. First will be the Beast Classic in the Eastern Cape in South Africa in July. My biggest goal is to go compete in the 2025 Mr Olympia amateur competition in the USA. Bodybuilders from all over the world will be there to win their division and thus ensure the top prize of a pro card, which opens doors to endorsements and other opportunities in the sport.”



The top results

Women’s Bikini: 1 Cassia Sharpley, 2 Ivette van Wyk, 3 Alexandra McLachlan.

Women’s Figure: 1 Bea Viljoen, 2 Adri Myall.

Men’s Physique: 1 Erick Elias, 2 Ananias Kangandjera, 3 Venomusheko (Pepe) Winfried.

Bodybuilding men’s lightweight: 1 Silas Paulus, 2 Erick Elias, 3 Marco de Vries.

Bodybuilding men’s middleweight: 1 Penda Muthoko, 2 Jackson Appolus, 3 Henk Visser.

Bodybuilding men’s heavyweight: 1 Stefan Shikongo, 2 Norman van Wyk, 3 Elandré Oosthuizen.

Classic Physique winner: Elandré Oosthuizen.

Novice Award: Penda Muthoko.

Overall women’s winner: Cassia Sharpley.

Overall men’s winner: Stefan Shikongo.