From All Black to all muscle
Published on Friday, 12 February 2010
In addition to being a lifelong sport, bodybuilding is commonly a great transitional pastime, with many athletes from various codes having moved into bodybuilding for various reasons whether for a greater physique, greater strength or perhaps for something entirely different.
Former All Black international player and rugby legend Jonah Lomu recently debuted in the over-90 kg novice category at the Wellington Bodybuilding Championships at Victoria University, NZ in mid-September.
Regarded by many as the first true global superstar of international rugby union, Lomu was known for being an intimidating player with raw strength and power similar to that of a freight train. Capitalising on his pure power; Lomu’s trademark was running straight into or over any unlucky defender foolish enough to get in his way. Despite a kidney transplant and losing 28 kg in the last two years, it is reported that Lomu intends to return to professional rugby for Marseille Vitrolles in France at the end of the this year. As for the bodybuilding, Lomu clinched second place — not bad for a first timer!
