Chido Kerina Maenzanise, holding one of her many trophies
At 30, she has competed in several local, regional, African and international powerlifting and weightlifting competitions. And she has 27 trophies to show for it. Her family laughed at her when she chose weightlifting as a career. Today she has travelled as far as the USA, thanks to this sport. In the gym or during competitions, she is a beast, but meet her anywhere else, she is approachable and humble. To know more about this weightlifting champion, our reporter MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA (MBD) had a chat with Zimbabwe’s Strongest Woman, CHIDO KERINA MAENZANISE (CKM) on these and other issues.
Read on…
MBD: Please tell me your brief background?
CKM: We are three in our family, I have a sister and a brother and I stay with my mother. I went to Mutasa Primary School, then Highfield High 1 and Chifamba Secondary School. Growing up, people called me Chivhindikiti because of my strength, while some would encourage me to be a police woman or a soldier like my dad, aunt or uncles.
MBD: What sparked your interest in weightlifting?
CKM: I just loved fitness and lifting heavy things, so I pursued this passion which led to me to be who I am today.
MBD: How did your family react when you told them that you were choosing weightlifting as a profession?
CKM: At first they laughed and told me to stop it because they said it could hinder me from getting married.
MBD: When you started, were you not intimidated because this seems like a male dominated sport?
CKM: No, because I was seeing some other super strong women, so this gave me so much hope and motivation. My role model is Rebecca Roberts (Welsh strongwoman and current UK’s Strongest Woman).
MBD: What are some of your significant achievements so far in weightlifting?
CKM: Standing and competing for my nation Zim and getting several trophies.
MBD: What are some of the challenges that you have faced in this journey and how have you conquered them?
CKM: Because of my immense power, some people have said I will become a man, but that has never deterred me, I have kept on training. I’m greatly inspired by my role model who has never changed despite any challenges, so all I am is to be strong and powerful. Lack of sponsorship has also been an issue.
MBD: How do you balance the sport and social life?
CKM: I do what suits the environment. If I’m in the gym I’m a beast, but then outside, I’m a normal and friendly person.
MBD: Who is your coach?
CKM: I have two coaches, Coach Shane and Coach Black Moses. Coach Shane is from USA and he is the one that structures my day on how I should train and for how long, according to the competition.
Chido training
MBD: What’s your strategy for success?
CKM: I just train extra hard by using the instructions from my two coaches. I can give you an example; Coach Shane can say do 25 reps of squats, then Coach Black Moses will say go beyond the schedule by doing more reps.
MBD: I’m curious, how much do you eat?
CKM: I eat small portions, but more meals.
MBD: Another notion is that weightlifters are violent people, are you?
CKM: No. I’m already huge and strong, so I try by all means to be friendly, because I want to use my power in a positive way, that’s who I am.
MBD: What are your future plans and how do you see your career evolving in the next few years?
CKM: Having my own club of strongman, with my own team that I will also train and we go for the world competitions. I want to be a heroine of this sport, an African Champion and a legend of all time. As of now I have a group of kids, youths that I’m training for the upcoming competition that I’m conducting very soon, that will be interesting for everyone. So if anyone feels that they can lift heavy weights then should not hesitate to join me.
MBD: What would you advise other women and girls who may want to pursue this sport?
CKM: I would say be who you are and if you feel that you can do any sport or demonstrate any talent, then go for it, because God gave you that talent for a reason. Like in my case, I couldn’t believe that this sport can take me as far as the USA.
MBD: How many competitions have you attended and how many have you won?
CKM: I have lost count, but for now I have 27 medals. I have attended powerlifting and strongman competitions of different clubs, countries and federations.
MBD: Are you married?
CKM: I have a boyfriend, and he supports me because he knows I don’t want anyone to ruin my career but need someone who supports me further.
MBD: Thank you for your time Chido.
CKM: You are welcome and thank you Munya for affording me this opportunity. I would also like to thank the Ministry of Sports and I’m hoping for more support as I also pursue the vision to say no to drugs and yes to fitness.
If you or you know someone who would like to feature on this profile, please get in touch on my email munyabless@yahoo.com or mobile +263777283907
