Firefighter-turned-bodybuilder Mizi storms to ‘Champion of Champions’ crown at Mr Kuching 2026

1 hour ago 5

ADVERTISE HERE

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 14: What began as a switch for challenge has turned into a breakthrough moment for Muhamad Faredhzuan Termizi Saufi, who powered his way to the coveted ‘Champion of Champions’ (CoC) title at the Fifth Mr Kuching Bodybuilding Championship.

The 32-year-old Airport Fire and Rescue Services (AFRS) personnel—better known as Mizi—first dominated the Bodybuilding Above-70kg category before outmuscling the winners of the Under-70kg and Novice classes to clinch the overall CoC title at the event held at AEON Mall Kuching Central yesterday (June 13).

Organised by the Kuching Division Bodybuilding Association (KDBBA) and sanctioned by the Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA), the annual championship brought together 46 athletes from Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong and Saratok under the southern zone.

Mizi admitted the victory still felt surreal.

“It took me a moment to get out of the feeling of disbelief,” he said, adding that the win was the result of 12 weeks of intense preparation.

“But then I told myself that this was what 12-week preparation had contributed. Now, it’s time to refocus on the upcoming Mr Sarawak. I do want to do my best.”

His journey into bodybuilding only gained competitive momentum in recent years. He made his debut in an open competition in Pahang in 2024, finishing Top 5 in the Novice Physique category.

Explaining his transition, Mizi said the decision was driven by the need for a new challenge.

“I started with physique in 2023, but for this year, I felt that my training needed an upgrade. It was a transition, but I feel that it’s a natural decision,” he added.

Still, the CoC triumph came as a surprise even to him.

“I never expected it to land me the championship title. I’m really happy and thankful for the solid support from my family and colleagues, KDBBA and our ‘Team Pringles’ with Coach Jaja and Coach Badrul,” he said, crediting the guidance that shaped his performance.

The Melanau athlete from Daro is now setting his sights on the Mr Sarawak 2026 championship, which will be held this Saturday at Boulevard Shopping Mall Kuching.

For now, however, discipline remains unchanged—at least until the competition ends.

“After Mr Sarawak 2026, I will head straight to Kampung Bahagia Jaya and really enjoy my grandmother’s ‘ikan arun’ and ‘nyak sekiu’ (Melanau dishes). It will be a reward for myself,” he quipped.

The competition also saw other category winners including Ahmad Farhan Bahron (Sports Physique Under-170cm), Liau Wei Tsung (Sports Physique Above-170cm), William Hii (Athletic Physique Under-170cm), and Gabriel Leroy Andy (Athletic Physique Above-170cm).

The Mr Kuching championship continues to serve as a key qualifying platform for athletes aiming to represent the southern zone at State level, where they will face competitors from Sarawak’s central and northern divisions.