The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Seniuor Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

NOW coached by Wellington ‘Cat’ Sears, a rejuvenated bodybuilder Michelle Miller is eager to be heading to her first Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships where she will be competing in the women’s body fitness category.

Miller, a former lightweight bodybuilder, will be a part of the 20-member team that was named by the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation to represent the Bahamas at the 42nd version of the CAC Championships in St Martin October 2-4.

The federation, headed by president Danny Sumner, recently released the names of the team, but indicated that they are still seeking the financial assistance to ensure that all of the bodybuilders are rewarded for their hard work in getting prepared for the championships.

“I’m looking forward to the experience first and foremost and then I intend to do my best,” Miller said. “I hope to bring home the crown for the Bahamas.”

At a definitive package standing at 4-feet, 11-inches and wearing 125 pounds, the 46-year-old Miller said she’s excited in her transition from bodybuilding to fitness.

“There wasn’t much of a difference, except for the weight class,” she said. “In terms of working out, it’s basically the same hard core training, but you just don’t have to get as small or as low as 114 pounds that I had to be in order to compete in bodybuilding. This fitness class is basically a toned figure to look good in a bikini.

“It’s easier for me and it looks more feminine as well. That’s the best part of it for me. I just love looking more feminine, sexy and toned in a bikini and in heels.”

The croupier by profession at Atlantis on Paradise Island said it would be good if she can go to the championships and return home with her professional card, which is being awarded to the overall winners in both bodybuilding and fitness categories.

“To get to this stage, you want to work hard and earn your pro card,” she noted. “So I would suggest to each of my teammates to go out there and do your best to win the overall title and get your pro card.”

Under the supervision of Sears, Miller said she has seen a vast improvement in her appearance and her routine. She said she hopes that it will turn out to be a winning combination for her in St Martin.

“It’s been a vigorous training, no break. You have to stay focused, train, train and train,” she said. “You have to stay on track and keep your diet intact because he’s always checking up on you to make sure that you stay focused. Hearing that, it keeps you in line knowing what it is you have to do and what you are preparing for.”

As a veteran competitor going to the championships to compete as a novice, Sears said he couldn’t be happier with the development that Miller has made.

“She should have been there a long time, but this is her first time going and she will be competing in the fitness category,” Sears said. “She’s extremely focused and is ready to compete. Just look at her. She’s in excellent shape.”

Unlike bodybuilding, fitness requires the competitors to put on a routine with music in the background as they compete. Additionally and more importantly, the competitors are to come out wearing high heels and display a smile. He noted that it’s a natural fit for Miller.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been in the sport for a while,” she said. “I’m much older now and more wiser. It’s a little harder, but I love it. I love the challenge. Hopefully I can go to St Martin and put on a performance that will enable me to come back as a champion.”

Other members of the women’s team are Amy Sands, Naomi Fatale, Tania Pierre and Anna Vywilk, who will compete in the bikini division, Tameka Stubbs, Lakeisha Miller, Dawnita Fry and Charnice Bain, who will join Miller in the body fitness, Dawn Charlton in the fitness and Lorraine LaFleur in the physique.

On the men’s side, Marco Walkine is in the fitness category, Charles Reckley in the bantamweight bodybuilding, Jimmy Norius in the lightweight bodybuilding, Desmond Bain in the middleweight bodybuilding, Joey Rolle and Bernard Davis in the light heavyweight in bodybuilding and Teran Rolle, Kenny Mackey and Ethan Quant in the physique category.

“The team looks good. We all have to just stay focused and go out there and do our best,” Miller said. “That is my goal for Team Bahamas. I would like to see us come back with the overall title in all of the categories.”