4 days ago
Sandton fitness athlete is building muscles to break barriers
In a sport still striving for inclusivity, Sandton-based fitness athlete Elizabeth Dumagude is rewriting the script… One rep, routine, and record-breaking title at a time.
A competitive wellness bodybuilder and two-time national champion, Dumagude is not just flexing muscle; she's flexing resilience, purpose, and representation.
Read more: JoburgToday active body builder
In 2023, she made history as only the second black South African to win a regional, and two national titles, in a single competitive year.
That same year, she placed 10th at the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) World Championships in Spain, before climbing to 5th place at the 2024 Women's World Championships in Tokyo, but Dumagude's journey was not always built on protein powders and powerlifting. Years of binge-eating, partying, and alcohol led her to a moment of reckoning.
'I got tired of living in a body I hated,' she said. That breaking point saw her step into a gym, commit to a healthier lifestyle, and hire a personal trainer.
The transformation was physical, losing 25kg, but also deeply mental. 'I still wasn't happy. I wanted to be strong. My trainer suggested bodybuilding, and the rest is history.'By 2019, Dumagude entered her first competition. She did not place, but what she gained was vision. 'That's when I set my goals:
To win regionals and nationals, and to represent my country.'Dumagude is now a Protea athlete, an ambassador for Primal Sports Nutrition, and one of the faces of black excellence in a sport that rarely sees it.
Her competition prep is rigorous: six strength training sessions, six cardio sessions, weekly sports massages, and strict Paleo-based nutrition. No more quarter-pounders, just lean protein, fish, veggies, and the occasional sushi treat.
'You can't cut corners in this sport. Discipline is the difference between average and elite.'
She added that it's not just about the physical. 'Pressure is a privilege. I hold myself to a high standard. I want to break barriers for women and for black athletes in this sport.'
Mental preparation plays a massive role in her success. Dumagude surrounds herself with a strong support system, including her coach, and makes time for recovery and relationships to stay grounded. 'It's a lonely sport. No one can do the work for you. Balance is crucial.'
Her international experience has sharpened her edge and broadened her perspective. 'Competing in Japan vs Spain was night and day. The Japanese were incredibly welcoming. The environment was athlete-focused. The level of competition overseas is unmatched. These women live and breathe the sport.'
With international rankings and national colours secured, Dumagude is not slowing down. She's aiming to qualify for nationals again in 2025, and to expand her fitness coaching business, to help others transform their lives, just as she did. 'You can be strong and feminine. You are in control of your effort, your mindset, and your life. No dream is too big.'
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