The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

LORRAINE LaFleur's debut as a professional bodybuilder resulted in a fourth place finish in the women's physique category at the Arnold Classic Africa 2018.

Over the weekend in the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, Gauteng, LaFleur was the lone Bahamian competing in the event that was held in Africa for the third time. She admitted that she did her best, considering that she was in virgin territory. But the performance was something that has inspired her to look ahead to the future with a lot of confidence.

"I really didn't know what to expect because this was my first pro show," LaFleur told The Tribune from Africa. "From the amateur shows that I did in the past, they didn't want that hard look so I really didn't know what to expect. I just came here with an open mind as to anything the judges could be looking for.

"It seems as if they are looking for that more hard look, which I used to get points taken off for, so in the future, I will have to go back to that more harder look like what I had as a bodybuilder and not now as a physique competitor."

Bahamas Bodybuilding and Powerlifting Federation president Joel Stubbs commended LaFleur for her gallant effort.

"I am very proud of her taking the initiative to go all the way to Johannesburg to represent the Bahamas. Everybody knows long distance travel takes a toll on one's body, especially a sport like bodybuilding and fitness," Stubbs said.

"However, we were in concert at all times, talking, giving her pointers on how she should stay on her game plan and she was very fierce and she presented a great physique to the judges on that end.

"It was a good beginning for her to understand and see what it is that they truly look for in the pro athletes in women's physique. As we talked and I looked at the photos that came back from her category, I now have a clear understanding of how we will proceed for in her future. But I'm very happy and proud of her getting in her first pro show."

Based on what she experienced, LaFleur said once she can get back to the harder look, she could be a real contender in future competitions.

"For the amateur shows, they want that more softer look, but in the pro league, it looks like they don't want that. They want that harder, more muscular look, so that is something that I have to work on," LaFleur said. "The competition was good, but they were more harder than me. So I have to improve in that area."

While the next major competition for the pro ranks is in Canada at the end of June, LaFleur said she will bypass that one as she goes back to the drawing board with the help of Stubbs to prepare for Aruba in August, or any other show after that.

"There are a lot of shows left to compete in for the rest of the year, so I can pick and choose from any of them," she stated. "So I just want to try and work on that harder look in the gym, so I can really go back on stage and compete with these women. I know I can do it. I just have to put in the work."