Chido’s Inspiring Journey to Weightlifting Glory

Munyaradzi Blessing Doma- Zim Now Writer

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 once laughed at her choice to pursue weightlifting as a career. Today, she has travelled as far as the USA thanks to the sport.

In the gym or during competitions, she is a beast, but outside, she is approachable and humble.

To know more about this weightlifting champion, our reporter MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA (MBD) sat down with Zimbabwe’s Strongest Woman, CHIDO KERINA MAENZANISE (CKM).

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 later Chifamba Secondary School. Growing up, people called me Chivhindikiti because of my strength. Some encouraged me to become a police officer or soldier, like my dad, aunt, and uncles.

MBD: What sparked your interest in weightlifting?

CKM: I just loved fitness and lifting heavy things, so I pursued that passion, which has shaped who I am today.

MBD: How did your family react when you told them you were choosing weightlifting as a profession?

CKM: At first, they laughed and told me to stop because they said it could prevent me from getting married.

MBD: When you started, were you not intimidated since this seems like a male-dominated sport?

CKM: No, because I saw other super-strong women, and that gave me so much hope and motivation. My role model is Rebecca Roberts, the 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 Zimbabwe, as well as winning several trophies.

MBD: What challenges have you faced in this journey, and how have you conquered them?

CKM: Because of my strength, some people said I would become a man. But that has never deterred me — I’ve kept training. I’m inspired by my role model, who never changed despite challenges. 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. In the gym, I’m a beast. Outside, I’m just a normal, friendly person.

MBD: Who is your coach?

CKM: I have two coaches — Coach Shane from the USA, who structures my training schedules according to competitions, and Coach Black Moses, who always pushes me to go beyond the set program.

MBD: What’s your strategy for success?

CKM: I train extra hard and follow my coaches’ instructions. For example, if Coach Shane says 25 reps of squats, Coach Black Moses will push me to go beyond that.

MBD: I’m curious, how much do you eat?

CKM: I eat small portions but more frequent meals.

MBD: Another notion is that weightlifters are violent people. Are you?

CKM: Not at all. I’m already huge and strong, so I try by all means to be friendly. 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: I want to have my own strongman club, with a team that I will train and take to world competitions. I want to be a heroine of this sport — an African champion and a legend. Right now, I already have a group of kids and youths I’m training for an upcoming competition. If anyone feels they can lift heavy weights, they shouldn’t hesitate to join me.

MBD: What would you advise other women and girls who may want to pursue this sport?

CKM: Be who you are. If you feel you can do any sport or have any talent, go for it, because God gave you that talent for a reason. In my case, I never thought weightlifting could take me as far as the USA.

MBD: How many competitions have you attended, and how many have you won?

CKM: I’ve lost count, but I currently have 27 medals. I’ve competed in powerlifting and strongman events with different clubs, countries, and federations.

MBD: Are you married?

CKM: I have a boyfriend who supports me. He knows I don’t want anyone to ruin my career — I just need someone who pushes 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. I’m hoping for more support as I continue to pursue my vision — to say no to drugs and yes to fitness.