Martin walks away with top honours in national championships

A new Mr. Antigua and Barbuda has been crowned in the Antigua and Barbuda Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Federation National championships.
In front of a packed crowd at the Multi-purpose center, Ollyn Martin posed and flexed his way to claim top honors on Saturday night. 
Martin, after winning the heavyweight class, defeated Elvis Bailey the two-time lightweight champion and Rodney George of the middleweight class to hoist the coveted trophy.
The veteran who has won the prestigious title a number of times in the past, takes the title after last year’s winner, Kenny Jacobs Sr., was suspended by the Federation.
Kimberly Ephraim who is also no stranger to the stage secured her Bikini Fitness title for the second straight year while Sharie Brown won the newly introduced Bikini Wellness title.
Bernard Percival Jr. wowed the crowd once again in the Classic Bodybuilding category securing the title he won at last year’s championships, while Dale Gardner walked away with the Masters Bodybuilding title.
In the Junior Bodybuilding category, Jonte Barnes defended his crown, claiming the award for the second consecutive year while Ojay Maria-Harris took home the prize for the best body in the Body Fitness section.
Anthony Nurse took home the top prize as the overall winner in the Men’s Physique category.
Nurse, having won the B class in the Men’s Physique, edged out Steve Simon, winner of the A Class and Kenroy Christian- C class winner to secure the overall title. 
The highlight of the evening however arguably was the return of one the sports pioneers, Hazel Went, who later claimed the Masters Bikini title.
Went, 55, who contributed significantly to the growth of the sport, took a break from competing on the national arena but returned this year to prove as she said in a previous interview that “no matter what the age, all women, and people in general, should love their body and keep healthy.”