[dropcap]F[/dropcap][dropcap][/dropcap]or a show that began over an hour late with numerous interruptions and delays, the St. Lucia Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (SLABBFA) should be thankful that Saturday’s National Bodybuilding Championships at the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School ended on a high note, thanks mainly to the evening’s guest posers who stole the show and then some.
It was a big night for St George Prospere of Vel’s Fitness Centre (VFC) who won the overall title for the fourth time. Having lost the title two years ago to Orville James, Prospere was determined to regain it and he did so but not the way he intended.
Speaking to him in the dressing room following the show, he said: “The competition was a piece of cake for me. Year before last I was a bit off and came second behind Orville James, but knew I would come back to regain my title.”
Prospere confessed he was not in the best shape. He said: “My condition was alright, but the size I was trying to put on I was a bit off, but the conditioning was there. When I reached back stage and saw the guys I was up against, I knew I had it. It was easy.”
Truth be told it was not quite that easy. Prospere won the Bodybuilding Senior Division with James from Sidonie Brothers Gym second with third place going to Jean Claude Jean (VFC) who is definitely someone to keep a close eye on in future competitions
The show led off with the Bikini Fitness Open, with three young ladies vying for the title. They displayed both flex and sex appeal that delighted the audience. Shalika John (VFS) who captured the title two years ago reclaimed it. Anita Peter (Lifestyle Fitness) placed second with Nakita Edwards of Reps finishing third.
John described her performance as “simply amazing” and was full of praise for the two other competitors. Her only disappointment was the fact more ladies did not take part in the show.
The same thing could be said for Velda John, proprietor of (VFC). She was the only competitor in the women’s body fitness class – a title she’s repeatedly won year after year which is impressive, but unfortunately, other women seem to have no desire to compete against her for fear of losing.
Turning our attention to the Men’s Physique Short Class, first place went to Lance Etienne (Eldon’s Fitness). Finishing second was Andy Joseph (Mango Moon), with Ultan Stanley (Laborde’s Gym) third and Paul Edwards (Independent) finished fourth.
In the Men’s Physique Tall Class Worrell Eristhee (Mango Moon) was a cut above the rest. Jabarie Brett (South Side) placed second with Achebe Victorine (VFC) third and Donovan Lewis (VFC) finished fourth.
It was another victory for Mango Moon when Eristhee was judged the overall Men’s Physique Champion.
Sad to say but the Novice Division attracted only one competitor – Mango Moon’s Owen Phillip.
It was a different story in the Intermediate Division which saw Joneil Pelage (Laborde’s Gym) placing first ahead of Kirton Hubert (Laborde’s Gym) and Alvin Remy (Sidonie Brothers Gym).
While the bodybuilders both male and female gave a good account of themselves, the two guest posers generated the most excitement. Professional bodybuilder Marina Jn Pierre who is St Lucian but resides in Bermuda and Vincentian born Garvin Phillips, excited the crowd with their solo routines. However, the crowd reserved their biggest applause when they paired for a scintillating routine.
Yes folks despite the various glitches, it was all’s well that ends well for the St Lucia Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association.
Following the show the SLABBFA announced that the following athletes will continue to train under the close supervision and guidance of Julian Felix. He was appointed National Coach, in preparation for the 2018 CAC Championship set for Mexico in July. The athletes are: Shailka John (bikini), Velda John (body fitness/figure), Worrell Eristhee (men’s physique), Joneil Pelage (bodybuilding junior), and St George Prospere (bodybuilding).
The condition of these athletes will be reviewed by the technical committee on a weekly basis to monitor their progress, as a final determination on their level of preparedness for the CAC Championship.
