Bodybuilding: Arnold Classic Africa Amateur competition |30 May 2016

Mekdachi clinches bronze medal

Bodybuilder Ziad Mekdachi promised to win a medal for Seychelles at the inaugural Arnold Classic Africa Amateur Bodybuilding competition and he has done it.

Competing in the 95kg weight category at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, at the weekend, Mekdachi won the bronze medal.

After the exploit, Mekdachi wrote on his Facebook page: “Dear Seychelles, I promised to raise your flag again and I did it among the best of the best again.

I give you my precious bronze medal that I have managed to take out of the mouths of many hungry lions just like a lion. I dedicate my honour for you and for all who believed in me. God bless you all. I'm going to cry now!”

Former Mr Seychelles Mekdachi was making his second appearance at the competition after his debut last year in Spain where he came out ninth among 17 competitors in the 85kg category.

Seychelles was also represented by Andy Anthony in the 75kg weight division and he did not feature among the medallists in his first international outing.

Seven-time Mr Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger was present at the Sandton Center to watch the event.

The bodybuilders’ trips were sponsored by the National Sports Council.

Meanwhile, the first competition on this year’s Seychelles Bodybuilding Federation (SBBF) calendar is a novice championship for newcomers and men’s physique. The competition will take place on June 24 at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS).

G. G.