An athlete takes the bench press strongman challenge at Wazito gym in Donholm, nairobi
Embakasi constituency residents were on Sunday treated to a fitness extravaganza during the fitness festival launch and the strong man competition in Nairobi.
Speaking during the event held at Greenspan mall in Donholm estate, organizer Billy Santos urged Nairobians in general to participate more in fitness related activities, “we need to make fitness a lifestyle among Kenyans of all ages in our society. Most people associate fitness with bodybuilders only, but this event is just about enjoying fitness and embracing it as a sport.”
The event which attracted over 100 participants saw the strong man category become a thriller of power lifters and muscle maniacs. There was stiff competition between training partners Victor Mulonzya from Kariobangi South weighing a massive 115 kilos against Dandora’s tough contestant Emanuel ‘stunya’ Ayodi who weighed in at 82.1 kilos.
Mulonzya’s strength was immense as he bench pressed a maximum of 200 kilos while Stunya came in second when he powered his thorax muscles to lift 185 kilos, just 15 more shy to beat the winner, but after the thrilling events in all categories, the man from Dandora who trains at Mickey Ragos gym was controversially declared overall winner of the category.
“I am very disappointed, that’s why I never come to these events because it was clear that I won in all categories. I pushed hard, but I feel robbed after winning in all the categories and getting nothing,” Mulonzya cried foul and walked away from the competition with two more categories to go.
Shem Jem weighing 70kilos won the bench press endurance on his second attempt as Kawangware’s Felix Kiroboto weighing at 105.5 kilos came in second. Henry Hamisi was third.
Victor Mulonzya earlier on also showed his lower body power when he squatted 240 kilos to win the category as Ben came in second; just 20 kilos shy from the winner’s pride.
Esther Wawira, the only woman to participate won all her categories as there was no one to challenge her. The rugby ball player showed her resilience by powering in a maximum of 80 kilos in squats.
Winner of the competition pocketed 5,000 shillings in cash with protein supplements worth 15 thousand shillings, runners up won protein supplements worth ten thousand shillings as third place had the same worth five thousand shillings.
Author:
Shadrack Andenga Odinga