At the age of 60, Douglas Green from Paarl continues to attract attention on the bodybuilding stage, proving it by winning a silver medal. He took second place in the under 75 kg masters category at the Masters World Bodybuilding Championship held in Singapore.
Green noted that his physical condition surpasses many younger competitors in the competition. He stated: 'I watched them and thought: 'Wow! I look better than many young athletes'. '
The competition took place in Singapore on Sunday, where Green won silver in the division for participants weighing up to 75 kg. He emphasized that sports and fitness are part of the 'Green family bloodline.'
Previously, he played boxing from the age of ten, winning several Western Cape provincial awards, and also played rugby and participated in Craven Week while attending primary school. Before bodybuilding, he spent some time playing for the Paarl Evergreens rugby club.
However, his entry into bodybuilding was almost accidental. He recalls walking into a contest in the Cape Town Civic Hall about 20 years ago just to use the restroom, unaware of the bodybuilding competition being held there. There, he met a man named Jason Clementsmith, who offered him a partnership to participate.
Green said that he did not initially plan to do bodybuilding but agreed to join if he was provided with a Speedo swimsuit. 'And that's how it all started,' he shared. On that day, he took second place, noting that he was very confident, possibly thanks to a nippie gin drink he had consumed earlier.
Over the last two decades, Green has been a member of the Western Province Natural Bodybuilding Federation. He has participated in numerous local and international competitions but considers this latest achievement special. 'I always placed third or fourth. This is the first time I have placed second. I hope to take first place next year.'
According to Green, there are no secrets to his good shape at 60: 'I eat healthy food. I train at the gym five days a week. On Saturday mornings, I do cardio.'