KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna's bodybuilding star Clayton Kiewitz continues to make his mark on the world – this time by winning the 2020 Arnold Classic Virtual Model Search.
Every year, the Arnold Classic Africa plays host to thousands of athletes from all over the continent in various sporting disciplines, with a large focus on bodybuilding and modelling.
Due to the pandemic, this year organisers shifted their focus online, and invited participants to enter its first-ever virtual model search.
As reigning MaxFITT Classic champion and with a fourth-place finish at the 2019 International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness' (IFBB) World Junior Championships under his belt, Clayton hoped to add this title to his portfolio by meeting the competition's somewhat different criteria compared to bodybuilding contests. The criteria included having a healthy, fit body; being photogenic and comfortable in front of a camera; and having an aesthetic, marketable physique.
Entries closed in May and in early August, the judges finally announced the winners – with Clayton securing top spot with his score of 138.5 (out of a possible 175) ahead of Bronkhorstspruit native Flippie Steyn (114.75).
Elaborating on the lead-up to the competition, Clayton said preparing for it came with new challenges due to lockdown restrictions: "We were forced to change up training, because no gyms were open," he said.
"We had to come up with a plan to keep as much muscle as possible without the usual equipment," the winner said.
He explained that this title opens up new doors for him: "It's another addition to my CV in the fitness industry, and just further expands the reach of people who know about me," Clayton said. "It's the perfect opportunity for me to get seen by the right people."
Brother and long-time coach Maxwell Kiewitz said winning the title is "absolutely massive" for Clayton. "Our family is so proud of him. He has been the talk of the family for quite some time now and we are overwhelmed with pride," beamed the champ's sibling.
He emphasised just how big Clayton's win is not only for him but also for Knysna. "Over the past few years I've been fighting to grow the fitness industry in Knysna, and Clayton has played a huge role to this point and continues to do so," Maxwell said. "Two years ago he was just a 'normal guy', but now our younger generations are going to look up to someone like Clayton. He has become a role model to so many."
Clayton is now based in Johannesburg, but still trains under the auspices of Maxwell's MaxFITT online programmes.
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