Francois flexing his way to bodybuilding success
Fransois Fourie, a physical trainer at Kimberley’s Virgin Active Gym proved his worth among the talented athletes who competed in this year’s National Physique Committee (NPC) Andrew Jacked Classic Regional Qualifier at the Walter Sisulu Sports Complex in Randburg, over the weekend of June 30 to July 1.
The 28-year-old Fourie was impressive in the divisions he competed in proving that unwavering discipline, sacrifice, and meticulous training is often key to one’s journey to success in the discipline of bodybuilding.
The significance of this physique competition cannot be understated for two key reasons. Firstly, it served as a replacement for regional qualifiers that had been cancelled, and as a result attracted athletes from across Africa who seized the opportunity to showcase their skills at the Andrew Jacked Classic.
Secondly, the competition marked the first and last edition of its kind in South Africa as the organiser, Andrew Jacked – the Nigerian IFBB professional bodybuilder, trainer and fitness influencer – after whom the competition is named, decided not to host the competition in South Africa ever again after his visa was denied by the SA government.
This once-off shot at the competition added an extra level of excitement to the event.
Like the other athletes, Fransois knew he had to make the most of this opportunity as he participated in three divisions in the Men’s Classic Physique category.
In the True Novice division, designed for athletes participating in their first-ever competition, Fransois delivered an outstanding performance, raking in a gold medal.
He then moved on to the Novice division, where he achieved a commendable sixth place out of 13 participants.
Fransois also took part in Class B, Classic Physique, where athletes are categorised based on their height and weight restrictions. Here, weighing in at 88.5kg, just under his limit of 89kg he secured the eighth position out of 17 competitors.
Speaking to the DFA, Fransois said that the road to success in the world of physique competitions demands discipline, sacrifice, and meticulous training. He said that he adhered to a rigorous diet for 12 weeks leading up to the event, abstaining from sugar and relying on a repetitive yet nourishing meal plan consisting of chicken breasts, asparagus, and cucumber.
Such dedication and perseverance is key to achieving peak physical condition and achieving goals in this demanding sport.
Fransois finds inspiration in the achievements and ethos of two esteemed athletes: ‘CBum’, the four-time Olympia champion from Canada, and his rival ‘Ramon Dino’, from Brazil who is currently ranked second in the world.
When asked who he would choose as his ultimate role model if pressed, Fransios said that while both of these athletes hold a special place in his heart, he leans towards Ramon due to their shared Christian faith and similar body structure and genetic makeup.
The DFA asked Fransios if there was a formula, a set routine he follows that gives him the zeal to train, and he said that before every practice session he engages in a traditional prayer, which instils him with courage and strength to perform at his best.
He says that he feels a profound connection with the divine during his training and constantly expresses gratitude for the talent bestowed upon him to pursue his passion.
Fransois, whose enthusiasm for fitness has always burned bright, was already recognised for his athletic prowess in the past. He received South African colours in Athletics in 2010 and 2011 and played for the Griquas Under-19 in 2013.
However, it wasn't until 2019, when during the COVID-19 pandemic he redirected his attention solely towards bodybuilding, that he fully embraced this sport with an eye on competitive success.
Teaming up with Morné Hugo from MHC Training Nutrition in December last year, Fransois embarked on an intensive preparation journey for the 2023 NPC’s Andrew Jacked Classic.
The preparation involved two stages: building, where the athlete bulks up, and cutting, where muscles are sculpted to perfection. The final cutting phase, lasting between 12 and 16 weeks, depends on the individual athlete’s conditioning and the level of work required to achieve the desired results.
Reflecting on the significance of the Andrew Jacked Classic, Fransois acknowledges the calibre of the athletes he had the privilege to compete against. Being in the presence of world-class competitors and holding his ground in his first-ever competition fueled his determination to continue progressing in the sport.
He says that he recognises that this competition marks just the beginning of his journey, as there is much to learn and many milestones to achieve in the future.