Kobus van Niekerk

Hey, what’s up, legends?
My name’s Kobus van Niekerk— born and raised in South Africa — and I’m proud to say I’m the newly crowned IBFF Mr. Universe. But let me tell you something… this journey? It wasn’t handed to me. It was forged through grit, resilience, and one hell of a lot of hard work.

I fell in love with bodybuilding when I was just 14 years old. No fancy gym, no high-end equipment — just me, some homemade weights, and a fire in my chest that wouldn’t quit. By the time I was 16, I was training with my boys in the gym, and man, I was hooked.

At 22, someone approached me to compete. I said no. Why? Stage gear. Yeah, I know — sounds crazy now, but back then, I just wasn’t ready. Looking back, that moment lit a fire in me. I knew I had more to give. I had to chase this dream.

Before I stepped on a stage, I was tearing up the track. In high school, I ran the 100 meters in *10.6 seconds. But then I picked up a **Flex Magazine*, saw those iconic physiques… and just like that, the game changed.

Fast-forward to 2018 — I made my competitive debut in bodybuilding. And boom — in 2019, I took the *PCA SA Open* title. Things were rolling. I was getting ready for the World Champs in 2020… and then the world shut down. Pandemic hit. Plans paused. But not the mission.

In 2022, I came back swinging — winning the *IBFF Over-40s, the **under-90kg division, and placing **second overall at the Fire and Ice Classic*. I was back. Better. Hungrier.

But then, 2023 came with a twist. I was training for a dream role — "The Wolf" on the revived *MTN Gladiators*. Intense stuff. During one brutal run through the obstacle course, I tore my bicep tendon. Just like that… everything stopped.

To make things worse, the show got canned. No work. No medical aid. Just me, a torn arm, and a mountain to climb. I ended up in public healthcare — shoutout to the team at *Steve Biko Hospital* — they gave me a shot. Four-hour surgery. Long recovery. Real pain.

But here’s the thing: I don’t quit. Ever.

With my coach *Warren Germishuizen* in my corner, and Indigo Supplements keeping me healthy and my game on point. I fought my way back. Day by day. Rep by rep. And this year? I stood tall. Stronger than ever. And I was crowned *IBFF Mr. Universe*.

Because no obstacle is too big when you believe in your purpose.

So yeah, I’m Kobus van Niekerk— and this is just the beginning.