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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
MUCHINERIPI Katena was crowned the 2016 Mr Novice after he got the better of 12 other athletes who took to the podium at 1+1 in the capital on Saturday. Katena who hails from Gweru and revealed that he got his inspiration from Isaac “Sugar” Chimuchenga said he was happy to be the winner in an event that caters for newcomers in the body-building and fitness sport.

At 37 Katena said he is now looking forward to the Mr Zimbabwe competition. The Berbaton Gym member said he is now looking forward to bigger events after making his presence felt at the Mr Novice.

“I think I have made my mark and I now look forward to the next challenging events as this is only the beginning. I am going to work hard and emulate some of the athletes who have represented Gweru.

As an athlete and winning this event is a stepping stone for me and I am going to work hard for the Mr Zimbabwe contest. Katena who said he has not used any supplements believes he will continue to be natural as hard work pays.

“I am happy that I have won without any additions and this is all through hard work and I encourage all body-builders to be natural. “I give credit to Chimuchenga who has been an inspiration to me and in Gweru there are so many athletes who are doing well who I believe need support to get to the maximum.

Second place went to Kudakwashe Maurukira from Empire Gym who managed to beat Lincoln Kazingizi to third place. In the Women’s section 17-year-old Selina Manuel from Bulawayo was crowned Ms Novice.

The Petra High School student said she was happy for her progress after taking body-building some three months ago.