Shané Knoetze after she won the WFF World Championship 2017 in
the Miss Bikini Model division.
Photo credit: Angelos Voniatis

Drama student Shané Knoetze won the title she had worked so hard for. At the World Fitness Federation’s World Championship in Cyprus on 4 November 2017, Shané became a world champion when she took first place among several countries in the Miss Bikini Model division.

En route to this magnificent achievement, she first became a NABBA/WFF (National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association/World Fitness Federation) provincial champion in her division, followed by winning the NABBA/WFF national title too. “I’ve always enjoyed training,” says Shané, “and after I finished school I became interested in the fitness world, especially the bikini model division.”

Initially Shané battled to find the right trainer to help her reach her goal, but after teaming up with Theo de Wet, her dream (and body) started to take shape. “Theo understood my passion, and was willing to work with me towards success.”

Getting through her training programme while she was studying was a challenge. It meant early morning gym sessions before class followed by more sweating in the afternoons. “It wasn’t easy, but it was also a welcome break from the books – blowing off some steam, so to speak.” Besides training, Shané had to stick to a very strict eating plan that did not always sit comfortably with friends and family. “They’d jokingly ask me to bring my seeds because they wanted to braai!”

After winning the world championship, Shané was awarded with a pro card, and will represent South Africa as a professional athlete going forward.