SA IFBB Fitness Challenge champion clinches silver in Barcelona

Last week, Mchunu travelled to Barcelona with an aim of clinching her first international medal, her dream was realised when she finished second place in the world and third place for speed fit in the individual categories.

For the Couples Category, Mchunu and her partner finished again in second place.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mchunu says her main goal is to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“I am honoured to have made South African history as the first Black female athlete to represent our country in this sporting code and secure a 2nd place podium finish at world level,” Mchunu said.

“Standing on that podium, carrying the South African flag, was a moment of immense pride.

I am super proud of myself, and this achievement marks only the beginning. My long-term vision is clear, I aim to qualify for and compete at the Olympic Games — Los Angeles 2028.”

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The Mandlazini born athlete, from a township right next to Richards Bay, only started competing in the  IFBB Fitness Challenge discipline in January this year.

She has since won the IFBB KZN Provincial Championships in August before clinching gold again in the IFBB SA National Championships and is also the current reigning SA Fitness Challenge Champion 2025.

These accolades earned her Protea Colours for international competitions and she says she’s not putting herself under pressure ahead of LA 2028 but will try to get used to competing globally.

“At the moment I am getting used to competing at the international stage with top athletes from different countries  in world competitions,as a way of stepping up and understanding how hot they sit at the top,” she added. 

“I mean it's absolutely different compared to local competitions. International competitions are a way down to Olympics qualifiers."