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Augustine Hwata in KADOMA
THREE years after he lost the Ironman title, Isaac “Sugar” Chimuchenga, reclaimed the crown when he dethroned Vincent Kandiyero at this year’s edition.
The Gweru-based hulk first won the Mr Ironman in 2008 before the competition went on a two-year forced sabbatical due to lack of sponsorship.
On its return in 2011, Kandiyero upstaged Sugar to win the Ironman contest at Ochi City.
The National Federation of Zimbabwe Body-building and Fitness failed to host the event in 2012.
Last year the event was revived and staged outside Harare or Bulawayo for the first time when Kadoma hosted the show with Kandiyero beating Chimuchenga again.
But the tables were turned against Kandiyero this time as the seasoned showman Chimuchenga showed he was still a wily athlete on stage.
Kandiyero came second while Noah finished third in the senior men’s division.
Brighton Mazikana, of Mutare, was fourth, Tapiwa Chibota fifth and reigning Mr Novice, Blessing Nyapimbi, sixth.
There was only one entry in the Ms Ironman and Christine Matange was duly crowned champion after going through her posing routines.
Reginald Pasara consolidated his status as the top junior athlete when he won the Junior Mr Ironman with Paul Matimbe coming second and Dalvin Page getting the bronze medal.
The NFZBBF also included the male model fitness and physique competition which was won by Godwin Mhaka with Everson Maverendi coming second and Tinashe Chigudu of Kadoma third.
But the chilly night belonged to Sugar.
“At times I forget my real name because people call me Sugar and it’s because of what I do on stage.
“I feel happy to reclaim the Ironman title.
“I cannot really point my strengths because I feel that everything was in condition,” said Chimuchenga.
Guest poser at the event, reigning Mr Zambia Sylvester Mwila, ruffled some feathers when he claimed Kandiyero was robbed of the title by the judges.
“I do not think the guy who won it, Sugar, deserved it.
“To me I think the guy who was supposed to win was Vinnie.
“Vinnie was shredded and he was ripped, he was balanced while Sugar had a lot of water.
“I think there was a bit of bias in that and Vinnie promises so much for the future,” said Mwila.
Kandiyero was humble in defeat.
“The judges are the ones who made the decision and I am not one of them.
“From my preparations, I think I was looking good and I do not know where I lost but there is no beef about it,” said Kandiyero.
Online Reporter