UKZN Student Ranked Among the World’s Best in Bodybuilding

BY: .

UKZN student and Bodybuilding World Champion Mr Joshua Nkosi was ranked first in his category and fourth overall after participating in the NABBA-WFF Universe Championships in South Korea.

‘Things went very well for me at the Championships,’ said Nkosi, a final year Dentistry student.

He also won a gold medal and a trophy in Greece last year where he secured his world champion status.

Winning the two competitions earns him possible international sponsorships and a Pro-Card.

Nkosi said his victory last year was the most epic and joyful time in his career as a bodybuilder. ‘Winning a world title at an event where 28 countries are represented takes a lot of hard work and dedication.’

Comparing the two competitions, he said Greece was like being in ‘the deepest end of a swimming pool’ while in South Korea it felt as if he had been ‘thrown into the ocean where sharks dwell’. 

Nkosi started bodybuilding to keep fit but his constant exposure to the sport and the passion he has for it propelled him to his present status.

Nkosi’s simple doctrine for lean muscle development is 30% gym and 70% diet. ‘In simple terms, I eat clean i.e. high protein, low fat and medium carbohydrates for optimum energy. That, combined with training five times a week, keeps my body in good shape.’

Asked how he balances his sport and studying, he said: ‘Being a final year student in the Discipline of Dentistry  is very challenging but when you have a passion for sport, multi-tasking develops which helps you eliminate unnecessary aspects of social life which hinder your goals.

He encouraged other students to take up sport while studying as it not only relaxed the mind but encouraged discipline and paved the way forward towards other career opportunities.

Acknowledging the support from his family, friends, Department of Sport at UKZN and his church (Christian Revival Church), he also gave credit to his close friends and training partners Mr Ntethelelo Sibiya, a Master’s student from the Department of Physiology and Mr Khulekani Dlamini, a Master’s student from the Department of Sport Science, for pushing him hard in the gym.

He also thanked his girlfriend Ms Ayanda Hlongwane, who ensures he maintains a strict, clean diet.

-          Words: Sithembile Shabangu