Weier’s perseverance pays off
THE Zimbabwe National Bodybuilding Competition is the ultimate contest in local bodybuilding and fitness.
The competition is among the big three events on the calendar.
The other two are the Ironman Festival and the Marume Classic.
So, winning the nationals is considered a major step towards legendary status among fitness enthusiasts.
Ndumiso Dlodlo, Givemore Marume, Paul Goredema, Vince Lambonie and Tobias “Tubbs” Madzime are some of the country’s biggest names in the sport who have in the past won the competition at least once.
The last couple of editions have delivered some truly interesting storylines and provided a platform for stars in the making.
One such athlete, who appears to be on his way to greatness, is Mark Anthony Vassilatos, who successfully defended the national title in the competition last weekend.
The Fitness First athlete added to his 2022 victory when he emerged the night’s biggest winner after clinching both the senior men’s bodybuilding and overall winner accolades.
There was joy, too, for rising star James Tashera, who proved that winning the Marume Classic was no fluke.
He added the national title to his CV in the junior men’s category and made 2023 a year to remember.
However, there is an argument to be made that the night belonged to David Fredrick Grant Weier.
Much like Vassilatos, Weier successfully defended his crown, but in the men’s physique category.
And like Tashera, the 28-year-old is also a star in the making.
However, what sets the Pro-Fitness athlete apart from his contemporaries is that the sun appears to shine brightest on him.
Weier combines a strong work ethic and confidence when going about his business.
He now has two back-to-back national victories over Blessing “CC Banks” Sithole, who has dominated the men’s physique category over the years.
“Well, I beat him (CC Banks) last year and I knew in my heart that I could do it again,” said Weier.
“I think he is the most decorated athlete in our category and has done so much for the division.
“However, there obviously comes a time when newcomers arrive hungrier than you.
“All credit to him for the package he brought, but I always thought that once I won it last year, taking it away from me will be tough.”
He underscored the significance of a successful title defence.
His real target, however, is the coveted pro card.
“I was not really surprised when they announced me as the winner of the men’s physique category. I know what I put my body through to prepare for this event — the sleepless nights and many sacrifices.
“I pride myself as a hard worker; in fact, there is nobody who can outwork me in this sport and field.
“While I was extremely happy that I won, I expected it and now we are off to the next stage,” he said.
Weier was among the field of the region’s top athletes at last night’s National Physique Committee African Pro Qualifier in South Africa.
There, the top prize for all winners is a pro card.
A pro card gives one entry into the international professional bodybuilding and fitness arena. Weier — in only his fourth year in the sport — still has time ahead of him should he fail to land the pro card in South Africa.
“Bodybuilding was not my first love, as I played a couple of sports during my time in high school at Prince Edward,” he said.
“However, I have always been fascinated with the sport from watching my elder brother work out and reading the motivational works of the great Arnold Schwarzenegger and a couple of others.
“I was a scrawny little kid and while I did not get bullied, I found it strange how some of these guys got to transform their bodies.”
Weier then decided to give it a try and start working out.
His physique soon changed for the better, but it was not until 2019 that he decided to literally step up to the stage and start competing.
While it has been four years since he started competing, the Covid-19 pandemic affected his introduction to the sport.
To date, he only has a handful of second-place finishes at other events, which include the Harare Classic 2021.
He is now hopeful he can earn himself a pro card sooner rather than later.