Macethandile “Max” Kulati, a disabled bodybuilder from the impoverished Moeggesukkel in Kariega (Eastern Cape), was crowned World Champion on Saturday evening, June 4 in Koper, Slovenia where he represented South Africa at the 2022 International Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation World (IBFF) Championship.
Before his departure on June 2, Kulati told UD Express that he was ready to compete.
"Mongezi Mata, who assists me with training and who keeps track of my physique, said he is super proud of my condition and what I have achieved through hard work and dedication,” said Kulati.
Mata, who hails from Addo, is a former IBFF champion, professional bodybuilder, and mentor for many young athletes in this sport. He also went to Slovenia to participate in the world championships.
Kulati had an unfortunate surgery procedure during 2014 which left him partially paralysed. He realised he needed to transform his negative thoughts and to find pride in himself again, he started with powerlifting in 2019.
Macethandile “Max” Kulati during his performance at the 2022 International Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation World (IBFF) Championship in Slovenia,
Macethandile “Max” Kulati was crowned world champion after competing at the 2022 International Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation World (IBFF) Championship in Slovenia.
Macethandile “Max” Kulati during his performance at the 2022 International Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation World (IBFF) Championship in Slovenia,
Macethandile “Max” Kulati was crowned world champion after competing at the 2022 International Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation World (IBFF) Championship in Slovenia.
He soon became a South African powerlifting champion but bade the sport farewell and started with bodybuilding. At his first ever bodybuilding competition he was crowned SA champion and qualified for the IBFF world championship in Slovenia.
He will arrive at the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha at 15:00 on Monday afternoon.
