Graeme College old boy, Jeremy Welkom, made waves in the world of bodybuilding over the past weekend.
Graeme College old boy, Jeremy Welkom, made waves in the world of bodybuilding over the past weekend.
In Saturday's Rossi Grand Prix Extravaganza in Midrand, in only his third bodybuilding competition, he came third overall in the Men’s Senior Under 70kg category. He also took fourth spot in the Mr Novice Open and fifth in the Mr Junior Open U23 years.
For Welkom, a 2012 Graeme matriculant who now works as a full-time personal trainer at the Virgin Active Gym in Mitchell’s Plain and as a USN Promoter, this is not his first success. A string of recent impressive results include victory at this year’s Sunshine Coast Classic in Port Elizabeth.
Welkom attributes his rapid rise to the values instilled in him by his parents.
“I was taught perseverance and developed the will power to push through.”
Welkom’s father, William, beamed with pride as he praised his son for his success and becoming a role model.
“As a father, for my son to inspire other people while living out his passion – I could not be happier,” he said.
The rising bodybuilding star indicated that the feeling was entirely mutual, saying, “My father has been my number one supporter all my life and I aspire to be like him one day.”
Apart from the support of those close to him, Welkom thrives off working consistently and eating well to keep his body in peak condition.
Welkom’s girlfriend, Kelly Lakay, singled out his preparation for his first competition as the beginning of his love affair with bodybuilding.
“It was an emotional roller coaster. I was so proud of him. It's been really hard work for all his successes, especially since he lost his best friend last year.”
Welkom’s bodybuilding dreams are to turn pro and eventually qualify for the Arnold Sports Festival (a competition started in the US but now also held here and named after that famous body builder, Arnold Schwarzenegger) and the World Body Building Championships. He hopes to find a sponsor soon so that he can pursue his goals further.
Most of all, Welkom wants to inspire people to make the right choice and to follow their passions.
sport@grocotts.co.za
