Fitness, self-discipline and poise were on full display last night when some of the nation’s finest bodybuilders took to the stage for the annual championships.
The event was staged at the St Anthony’s Secondary School for the first time.
The volume of local athletes to graduate to the sport’s professional ranks in recent years meant that there was a slew of fresh faces on the night.
The Public Relations Officer of the sport, Ambassador Kimberley Percival, spoke about the event, commending the novice athletes.
“A few of those novice athletes really came and were super impressive. As a matter of fact, two of the novice athletes came in, and as we would put it, they performed a clean sweep, winning their novice classes and going on to winning the Open and overall titles. In Men’s Physique, Mr John Ferris, it would have been the first time he’s ever competed.
“He would have won Novice Men’s Physique and then went on to win the Men’s Senior Open in Men’s Physique as well. And Ms Devaney Chandler, another big surprise, she came in as well in Novice Bikini, won that class, Bikini Class A, won that class and went on to win the overall Bikini Fitness title.”
Also new to the stage was J`Dinique Prince who competed in last year’s Queen of Carnival contest. Prince took part in a new ‘Fit Model’ category. Percival went on to say.
“And then of course we had the veterans on stage, Miss Yvette Butler, and she actually got an award for most improved athlete from 2023 to 2024. She walked away as our Masters Champion, and I will say she is 55 years young and looking fantastic, and she went on and competed in the bikini class B, that is a taller class, walking away with a second place finish. We also have a new Mr Antigua Bodybuilding Champion, Toni Phillip.
“He would have competed last year and also participated in TAC, but this year he walked away with the Masters Bodybuilding title . . . and is now the 2024 Mr Antigua champion.”
Percival, herself a pro bodybuilder, was asked what she thinks is behind the sport’s enduring popularity in the twin-island nation – and why more people should consider taking it up.
“I think the successes of these previous athletes have really served as an inspiration, as a means of, yes you can do it, I can do that too. It really comes down to the persons who would have put in the work in the earlier stages and kind of shown that there is possibility for success for such a small island, and I think that inspiration continues, year-in and year-out. You may be closer to success than you think, it really just requires a bit of consistency, and effort, and proper guidance.
“Bodybuilding is for all those who are willing to put in the work and really just bring their best to the stage.”
In the Masters Bikini (over 35) Category Ms Yvette Butler was the winner, and Kayla Joseph Senior Wellness Champion.
In the Classic Physique, Trevon Giddings was the winner, while J’Dinique Prince in the Novice Female Category.
Newcomer Ferris was Novice Men’s Physique and Senior Men’s Physique Champion, while Devonnie Chandler reigned supreme in the Novice Bikini, Senior Bikini Class A and Overall Bikini.
Phillip was adjudged the winner in the Masters Bodybuilding (over 40 ) and Senior Bodybuilding Champ, whereas the Senior Bikini Class A Champion was Tiffany Gordon
