Bodybuilding: IFBB Mr Olympia Amateur Africa - Ziad Mekdachi wins 90kg category gold medal |28 October 2014

Local flex poser Ziad Al Adou Meckdachi is expected to have his pro card in his hands when he returns today if not it won’t be long before he receives it.

Mekdachi is to arrive today from taking part in the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Mr Olympia Amateur Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa.

According to Seychelles Bodybuilding Federation (SBBF) chairman Regis Delorié, after the pre-judging on Saturday during which five bodybuilders were chosen for the category final, Mekdachi won gold medal in the under-90kg class on Sunday.

He then had to challenge the other category winners for the IFBB Mr Olympia Amateur Africa title, but lost out to a South African super heavy weight (+100kg category) bodybuilder in the grand final.

“From what I have gathered, Ziad could have won the grand final but he looked a bit tired after having gone through the previous rounds,” Mr Delorié told Sports Nation yesterday.

He added that although the pro card is given to the overall winner only, the organisers were impressed with his physique that they are considering giving him his pro card.

In a post on his Facebook page, Mekdachi writes: “Dear Seychelles, I have promised to make you shine on the international stage and to make everybody know and understand that you are not only a beautiful place but also a factory of champions. Today I am so proud that I have thousands of people in that thrilling dome cheering and chanting your name with big respect and surprise for the kind of athletes you have produced. I had made the victory and won the very first international gold medal. I want to dedicate this to everybody who believes in me, everybody who supports me in every possible way. But it is just the beginning. Now it is time to enter the professional world of bodybuilding and get to the top. Ziad Mekdachi, Mr Olympia Amateur 2014 up to 90kg.”

Before leaving for South Africa, Mekdachi confirmed that he will be back on the local scene where he will be defending his Mr Seychelles title on November 7 at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS).

He also told Sports Nation that his future goal is to be a professional bodybuilder, an achievement that could see him take part in the professional Mr Olympia.

G. G.