Education student scoops gold at South Pac Games

Friday, 14 September 2007

MIT education student scoops gold at South Pacific Games

The old cliché that brains and brawn don’t mix could not be further from the truth when it comes to Manukau Institute of Technology Bachelor of Education student and South Pacific Games gold medallist, William Mata’utia.

William, who is in the final year of his degree, won the gold medal for the over 90kgs category of the Body Building South Pacific Games, held from 25 August to 08 September. Not only is this a great achievement for any person competing at this level, but for first-time entrant William it was no mean feat.

“I am really pleased about the result, but it took a lot of work and commitment,” he says, adding that he had to train for three hours each day to get into shape.

“Every morning I had to do 1.5 hours of cardio and each evening 1.5 hours of weight training which was tough as I am also in my final year of study.”

Besides the physical challenges, nutritional awareness is absolutely key for a body builder. “It doesn’t matter what you do from an exercise perspective, you have to make sure you eat properly. You need to cut out sugar completely, for example, and learn which foods to substitute, such as kumara for white rice, as it burns better.”

While William did initially work with a nutritionist, his commitment to his sport has enabled him to teach himself about training matters such as nutrition. And it was this interest on health and nutrition that prompted him to first take up body building in 2007.

“I had noticed at my church that health was a problem and, particularly among Maori and Pacific Island communities, good nutrition is a concern. I know that many of us face issues such as obesity and related diseases in our communities so I hoped that by focusing on my own health and fitness I would motivate some of my church mates and family.

“It has worked well and I am pleased to see that people are changing their approach to food and activity. My family have been very supportive and this has helped me considerably – we do all need that support.”

To date, William has competed in three New Zealand events of which he won two, the PIBBA body building event and the New Zealand Nationals, of which he won the novice men’s over 90kg class. His recent success, however, has spurred him on further and he is currently training hard for the top national body building competition, the New Zealand Nationals in October where he will pursue the Mr New Zealand title.

ENDS

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