Johnson Progress

A trio of Zimbabwean powerlifters has delivered a historic performance at the Global Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Championships 2026 in Dubai, securing top overall honors against the world’s elite.

The three-member delegation, competing against traditional powerlifting giants from Britain, Australia, India, and Pakistan, achieved a clean sweep of podium finishes in their categories, with one athlete being crowned the ultimate champion of the entire competition.

The standout star of the tournament was Simba Mhaka, whose dominant performance across all disciplines earned him the title of 1st Overall Champion.

This coveted accolade, awarded to the single most outstanding athlete of the championships, solidifies Mhaka’s reputation as a global force in the sport. His victory in the prestigious overall category is being hailed as one of the greatest achievements in Zimbabwean strength sports history.

The women’s team mirrored this excellence, led by the reigning Africa’s Strongest Woman, Chido Maenzanise.

Maenzanise, building on her continental fame, captured first place in her specific weight class and powered her way to an astonishing 2nd place in the women’s overall rankings.

Her performance demonstrated not just category dominance but all-round superiority on the international stage.

Completing the team’s golden run was Spiwe Munyaka, who claimed first place in her category and secured 3rd place overall, ensuring Zimbabwean athletes occupied the majority of the women’s overall podium.

The athletes showcased their prowess in the traditional “big three” lifts—squat, bench press, and deadlift combining technical precision with formidable raw power throughout the intense competition.

Their success marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe in a sport long dominated by wealthier nations with more developed training infrastructures.

Commenting on the team’s monumental achievement, a spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Powerlifting Federation expressed profound pride, stating that the results were a testament to years of dedication.

“This is not just a victory for these three exceptional athletes; it is a victory for every young person in Zimbabwe who dares to dream big,” the spokesperson said.

“They have shown the world that with resilience and hard work, we can compete and triumph at the very highest level.”

For Simba Mhaka, the new global champion, the win is the culmination of a relentless journey.

In a statement following his victory, Mhaka emphasized the collective effort behind his success.

“This medal belongs to my coaches, my family, and my nation,” he was quoted as saying.

“We came to Dubai as contenders, but we fought with the heart of champions. To stand atop the global podium is an indescribable feeling, and I hope it inspires every aspiring athlete back home.”

The team’s collective triumph in Dubai transcends the haul of gold medals and trophies.

It serves as a powerful beacon for the next generation of Zimbabwean strength athletes, proving that world-class excellence is within reach.

The historic success at the 2026 championships is expected to galvanize support for the sport domestically and usher in a new era of Zimbabwean dominance on the global powerlifting platform.