Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN the world of bodybuilding, a pro-card is regarded as the holy grail.
It secures one entry into the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBF) Professional League, which is where the real money lies.
For someone to earn one, they have to train hard and win big competitions and hope for the best. Some spend their entire careers hoping for the chance, while others have the opportunity land at their feet.
Take Nicola Hwindingwi, for instance.
When she travelled to Zambia for the Eighth All African League of Champions at Music Club, her main aim was to give the competition the “good old college try” and, hopefully, raise her nation’s flag high.
When she returned home, she had a winner’s medal and, more importantly, the coveted pro-card.
“A pro-card was the last thing on my mind; it wasn’t even in the plans, and I only went to Zambia as someone going there to represent their country,” said the 24-year-old fitness model.
“This is my second year in the sport and first year competing professionally, and was in shock when they (adjudicators) told me that they were giving me the pro-card. Sometimes good things happen when you least expect them.”
Born on July 3, 2000, Hwindingwi is what you call an up-and-comer in bodybuilding.
However, her success is deserved.
The fitness model took up bodybuilding back in 2023 after being inspired by a few clips on social media.
“I started the sport in 2023, and only started competing earlier this year,” she said. “Before that, I would simply work out in the gym here and there, and never really took it seriously.
“I used to watch clips on television, WhatsApp and other platforms, and it was there and then that I decided to give bodybuilding a try.”
After taking up the sport, she was instantly inspired by bodybuilder-turned-powerlifter Regina Jonga and went under the wings of Linnety Tom. She says these two women have played an integral part in her journey so far.
“Yeah, Regina and Linnety are my role models,” she went on. “Regina Jonga just inspires me and following her career has made me love the sport a lot more. Together with Linnety Tom, the two encourage us (female bodybuilders and fitness models) and help us every chance they get.”
As an interesting side note, Jonga happens to be one of a handful of women who have earned pro-cards. That was back in 2019.
She then transitioned into the powerlifting, and more specifically, strongwoman sport.
Hwindingwi is now in a special class of women and closer to her idol following the pro-card announcement recently.
This is in addition to the 2024 Novice, Marume Classic and, more recently, All African League of Champions, titles.
Hwindingwi has a slew of second and third-place finishes in competitions like the Harare Classic, Zim Nationals and a few provincial shows in Kadoma and Gweru. The 24-year-old has now set her sights on bigger and better things.
“My next target is to start competing internationally, representing my country on the big stages of the world,” she said.
“I am fully inspired to work and train even harder and hope to bring home more gold medals.”
