27 Nov 2024

Ahmad Abooulela is a name echoing through the streets of Maun, a name whispered with awe and admiration. He reigns supreme in the hearts of his adoring fans.

And with good reason. This heavyweight lifter is not just strong; he is a phenomenon. Abooulela is not just a local celebrity; he is a physical marvel. His imposing physique, a little testament to years of dedication and rigorous training, is a sight to behold.

A chest-out posture and muscles rippling beneath his skin, he commands attention wherever he goes.  He is not just a strongman; he is a spectacle. But it is not just Abooulela’s impressive physique that captivates audiences. It is his incredible strength, his raw power, and undeniable dominance in the world of heavyweight lifting.

His recent performance at the Galo Heavyweight Championships solidified his place as a legend in the making when he scooped position one in the extra heavyweight championships lifting 340 kg before casually adding another 400kg for a good measure, then, just for kicks, he pulled a truck.

The atmosphere at the Galo championships was electric, a crucible of competition where only the strongest survive. Yet, Abooulela transcended mere competition.  He did not just win, he captivated.

His feats of strength left spectators speechless, jaws agape, eyes wide with disbelief. He was the only athlete worthy of admiration; the others faded into the background as he single-handedly stole the show.

The sheer power he displayed, the effortless grace with which he moved such immense weights, created an experience that went beyond the boundaries of athletic achievement. It was a performance etched into the memories of all who witnessed it.

Abooulela’s performance wasn’t just a victory; it was a demonstration of exceptional human capability, a testament to the dedication and discipline required to reach such heights.

“I started going to the gym when I was around 17, but as a professional bodybuilder and power lifter it started 2016 after competing in Botswana’s Strongmen Competitions,” he said.

Abooulela, who weighs 120kg, showed up at his first appearance when he competed at the Botswana strongmen competition. Before then in 2014, he was called by a group of soldiers who had organised a power lifting competition

“They sent someone to call me saying they needed someone to represent Maun. I was not prepared and had no idea about the sport but I did it anyway,” he said.

He said he tried hard at the competition, but lost. However, Abooulela did not despair, as he started working very hard. He said the sport is fast growing in Botswana looking at the numbers of attendance over the years.

He said government should take the sport of powerlifting serious because a lot of Batswana can make a living out of it. He said though the sport is expensive, it has some quick returns.

“For example, powerlifting equipment is very expensive and the food that the athlete has to eat is not any kind of food. You need high protein meals and high protein smoothies. I eat at least six to eight meals per day,” he said.

He explained that the Galo powerlifting competition was another learning curve, adding that it showed that the sport is growing. Abooulela plans to start his own powerlifting club in Maun, his home town.

“Very soon I am starting my own club in Maun and I will invite all young people to join it. I want to nurture talent at a younger age and get the best athletes for future international competitions,” he added.

He said his campaign will not just end in Maun as he encourages other district across the country to establish such clubs. “My dream is to have Africa’s strongest man championships in Botswana by 2025 and I will pursue the government to have such,” said Abooulela.

He said such a championship would put Botswana on the world map and would also motivate and encourage the youth to join the sport in large numbers.  ENDS