Durban based PRO fitness model and mother of two, RiAnne Hall has brought fitness fame to South Africa by being chosen as the 2009 Fame Fitness Model in the Fame World Championships in Montreal on June 14th.

For RiAnne, who is sponsored by local brand Muscle Science, the announcement that she had won was "the best news ever", opening the door for her to pursue a career as an international fitness model and/or to compete further in international fitness competitions.

The Fame World Championships, which showcases the world's best physiques in the areas of fitness, muscle, figure and strength, are the glittering climax to a series of regional competitions known as the Fame World Tour.

The competition is driven by a fast-growing network of fitness enthusiasts, which aims to help individuals reach personal, health, fitness and physique goals by providing them with information, motivation, networking opportunities, competition showcase events and community support.

The Fitness Model category is open to both male and female contestants with a lean, toned, symmetrical physique, a confident stage presence and a vibrant, charismatic personality. The competition takes place in two rounds, swimwear and themewear, and contestants appear both individually and as a group.

A dream come true

RiAnne, who spent a year training for the Fitness Model event, arrived in Canada on Thursday 11 June in time for pre-judging on Saturday 13 June. The 2009 Fitness Model line-up consisted of about thirty competitors from across the world, amongst them Montreal's own Nadja Scantamburio — 2008 winner of the North American Championships in Miami.

"I felt confident and so ready for the competition," said RiAnne after the event, "but it was also a gruelling time as I knew I only had one chance up there to showcase and strut my stuff".

First up was the swimsuit competition featuring two-piece bikinis and high heels, followed by the themewear event. RiAnne's choice of an African theme turned out to be an inspired one and she believes that the originally of the suit shone on stage. Before the announcement of the winner, "all I could do was pray silently that the final result would be in my favour," said RiAnne. Then came the bombshell: "the runner-up is Nadja Scantamburio and the winner is 535 — RiAnne Hall from South Africa!"

Described by RiAnne as "the best news ever and my dream come true", the win is a fitting tribute to months of hard work, assisted by legendary trainer Chris Scott and sponsor Muscle Science.

In line with the Fame competition's commitment to natural, drug-free sport, Muscle Science products are formulated in accordance with drug-free principles, enhancing Muscle Science's reputation as the leading national authority in sports performance nutrition.

"Since using Muscle Science supplements, I have seen outstanding results and have been able to achieve all my physique goals," concludes RiAnne.

For more information visit www.musclescience.co.za

Levelling the playing fields The South African soccer field has traditionally been a male bastion but we are moving forward.

Hottest six-pack in SA? Who does the hottest six-pack in South Africa belong to? Read this to find out...

'The woman on p194' What do you think of the appearance in a fashion magazine of a model who fills more of the page?