Building success in bodybuilding champs
Justine, other Kiwis represent in Indonesia
Te Awamutu athlete Justine Miller represented New Zealand and Te Awamutu’s Trainstation gym at the WFF Bodybuilding Championships in Indonesia last month.
She and coach and WFFNZ official Mike Smith went to Bali six days before the competition to avoid the risk of disruptions to their preparations and to adapt to the Indonesian climate.
Two days before the show they linked up with some of New Zealand’s team of nine athletes and flew to Lombok to carry out official duties with the New Zealand team. The twoday event hosted 16 countries and more than 100 quality athletes, supported by the world’s fitness expo and enthusiastically joined by fitnesscrazy locals.
“Such beautiful, enthusiastic, friendly people who treated each of us like superstars,” says Mike.
“The people made up for the logistical issues, prepping where we didn’t have our normal facilities.”
On day one of the show New
Zealand teammate Tony Ligaliga, 56, a legend of the sport from South Auckland, won the master’s beach model categories, claiming Mr World status — a highlight for many and a moment Mike says he will never forget.
On day two, master’s lady Naeera Johnson picked up world No 2.
New Zealand’s Callum Holmes also won his category, an excellent followup after wins at nationals.
“Callum is a young guy with a big future and this is exciting but I know therewill be lots more to follow,” says Mike.
Also on day two, Justine competed in the Worlds for New Zealand in the bikini division, realising a lifelong dream.
At 49 years of age, she held her own up against the younger opponents coming in a very credible second place. “As coach and partner of Justine, I couldn’t be any more proud. She had been prepping since January and made it all the way through with five shows for the season and the remote challenges we had. A true legend,” says Mike.
Auckland’s Brad Wade came second in his pro sportsmodel category and Richard Parnham of Christchurch, whocompeted in theTASlay, won the overall Mr World.
“Richard was totally unstoppable and made us all proud to witness it. It was definitely one of the best moments of the show,” says Mike. “The experience was truly unforgettable, my role was small but glad I could help wherever I could within the team and manage Justine to the stage.
“A highlight was the flag-carrying ceremony, where we paraded nation by nation through the town to the main stage where the streets were lined with the locals — a truly electric atmosphere.”
Now that the team have returned home, they are already contemplating next year’s worlds in Germany where they are sure the Kiwi team will once again dominate.
“We ran many sponsorships for Justine and would like to thank all who donated and gave her dream to her. Thank you all.”