Botswana’s professional bodybuilder Gontse Sechele’s upward trajectory into the stage of fame in the bodybuilding arena continues unabated. Blessed with determination, ambition and passion, the 30 year old proved his mettle recently when he missed by a whisker the coveted Mr Universe title at the World Fitness Federation (WFF) universe championships in USA.
Competing on the biggest bodybuilding stage and against the best in the world, Sechele, who is no stranger to the highly competitive sport, exceeded expectations, coming second in a highly contested affair.
Following his excellent performance in USA, Sechele revealed that it is just a matter of time before clinching a major title. ‘’It is never easy competing at World championships and being chosen among the best is an achievement. I just feel motivated and believe can do better against the best in the World,” Sechele told Sunday Standard
With his heroics at the WFF Universe championships now water under the bridge, the local bodybuilder has cast his eyes on the upcoming championships in the Republic of Ireland in November later this year, as a place to finally get his hands on the crown he craves. “I can be a champion and believe with time I will continue to gradually improve on my performances. I also have a professional trainer in John Leslie who is South Africa’s top professional trainer. We are on a mission and with the right people guiding me well, we will strive hard to be among the best,” said Sechele.
On his 12 year spell in the games, Sechele revealed that bodybuilding is a sport combined with lifestyle and discipline. He said it all started when he was still a scholar during his teen days. ‘’Having been in the game for more than a decade has not been easy. It was all about perseverance as I remember back then when I was just training at home in Mathangwane village with no proper gym and nutrition, and it has all changed,” said Sechele.
He revealed that there are a lot of potential bodybuilders in Botswana capable of making a mark in the World stage. ‘’The local bodybuilding mother body will have to affiliate with international federations for athletes to get a chance to compete internationally. There are a lot of bodybuilders that can excel around the globe and it is just a matter of growing the sport. It has not been easy for me to feature in major tournaments but fortunately the big step I took by competing in South Africa has been the turnaround. We also need to support each other as bodybuilders to take the sport to greater heights,” Sechele mentioned.
On his word of wisdom to youngsters, he said without hard work it will be tough for the World to realise the potential within athletes. ‘’No one will believe in your vision until you unveil it, it is only through hard work and self belief that athletes realise their dream. We work behind the scenes and it will only be realised when we outclass others,” concluded Sechele.
