During the recent July USSA competition, bodybuilder and North -West University (NWU) student Penny Sambo finished first in his division and was announced the overall winner of the bodybuilding tournament.

Participants in competitive bodybuilding, such as Penny, demonstrate their developed muscular build with their personal posing routines and certain postures necessary for the competition. Muscularity, conditioning, and symmetry are used to evaluate them.

Studying towards a BSc degree in human resource management and industrial psychology, Penny has just celebrated eight years participating in the sport

He competes in the Classic Bodybuilding and Classic Physique divisions and is coached by David Tshose, an NWU athlete who has participated in the International Federation of Body Building (IFBB) African Championship.

Penny's accomplishments to date include a third place medal at the 2019 Millennium Gold Plate, a second place finish at the Arnold Classic, a second place finish at the University Sports of South Africa (USSA) tournament, and an impressive first and overall win at the Provincial Classic Bodybuilding competition, which resulted in an invitation to compete at national level.

"To be honest, I like the sport, and right now, coach Dave and I are aiming to win nationals and compete in the global championship. Who knows, we could just go pro after that," says Penny.

NWU student Penny Sambo is an avid bodybuilder.