Amira Willighagen, Athlete (Continued)

See my previous post on this topic here.

"It ain't over till the fat lady sings." So goes the expression that defines the stereotype of opera singers having some extra pounds. And in truth, many great operatic singers have historically fit this pattern, such as the wonderful tenor Jonathan Antoine I have repeatedly highlighted in this blog. Incidentally, I love the way Antoine looks.

All this makes Amira stand out as some kind of exception. For Amira is both a classical singer and an accomplished long distance runner. At the start of 2020, Amira was in first place and just about to represent her region of South Africa in the nationals in steeplechase (a difficult race that includes leaping over obstacles) when the lockdowns occurred. I'm including some astonishing pictures of Amira that illustrate her athletic side, in stark contrast from her usually elegant stage gowns. 

It's easy to lose sight of this athletic aspect of Amira when she enters a stage and turns all the heads with her 'oh so feminine' dresses by Be Dazzled of South Africa. 

 Beek Men's Choir, Asta Theater, Netherlands, 2016