The Tribune

GRAND Bahamian private school principal Rickelle Albury and local businessman Christopher Nixon carted off the two new titles as sports women and men spokesmodels.

The categories were introduced on Saturday night by the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation in the Faye Rolle Classic at the University of the Bahamas auditorium.

The new categories called for competitors to introduce themselves in the first segment and in the second, they had to provide some information about the sport and answer a random question from one of the judges.

Albury, a married mother of three, beat out a strong field of three that included 52-year-old Daphne Fox, who inspired those older women to "look and feel good" about themselves.Fox was the runner-up, while Sanadia Smith, who dropped her weight from 230 pounds to 170, was an inspiration to all the full-figured women. "This is my first time performing in this arena, so I'm very excited," said Albury, who thanked her trainers Mr and Mrs Bain, (Chanice, one of the newest Bahamian pro bodybuilders) at Body Forever in Grand Bahama for encouraging her to enter.

"I was pleased that they chose me and I am even more excited that I went on to win the category. I'm hoping that I can inspire and encourage other women to get fit and stay fit nd to understand that being fit and healthy is a lifestyle."

She noted that it may not happen overnight, but with their dedication and commitment, they can achieve it. That is the message that she hope to betray on behalf of the federation whenever called upon.

Defying the myth that all bodybuilders are just "a meathead, all body and no brain," Nixon said he hope to change that stigma in the future as the new male Spokes Model.

"I believe that it's very important to being diversity to everything," said Nixon. "The more categories they bring, they get more people. I probably might not have competed if they had brought straight up bodybuilding because that really isn't my thing. But I do like . Bodybuilding isn't my thing, but I do like speaking. I do like representing fitness.

"To me, that's something that I am all about. So I am really glad they did that."

Nixon, a 29-year-old owner of Nixon Auto Services and a certified fitness trainer and a professor in psychology at Southern College, said he will continue to hone his craft and wherever he is required to speak, he will be willing and ready to do so.

One of the toughest category came in the men's open physique where CAC gold medalist Wellington Wallace repeated as champions.

"It was good. I prepared months ago for this competition because I wanted to defend my title," he said. "The guy that I competed against gave a good game to the stage.

"But at the end of the day, everybody have to bring their best. I guess my best was good enough to win."

After winning the initial title last year, Wallace went on to win the CAC title and he said he wanted to limit the amount of competitions he participated in so he could be well rested for this show.

"I felt very good and to actually come back and win the title again for her was a honor for me," stated Wallace, who train at Empire Gym. "I feel good to win the title again."

He beat out a strong field that saw Bertram Miller pick up second, David Dormaival third and Donovan McKenzie fourth in the final posedown before the judges. The other competitors were Garcia Martin, fifth and Gary Martin, sixth.

The men's most muscular physique saw Jaye Darling Jr pull off the victory over Cornielius Knowles and Andrew Brennan. But Darling Jr quickly pointed out that he was out to niche his own name in the sport.

"I was on stage last year, but I took a few months off. I'm always in shape and always ready. It's just putting in more work in the gym coming closer to the competition," he pointed out.

"I just went out there and did my thing. Hard work pays off."

But he noted that while his father James Darling has captured his pro card in bodybuilding, he's doing his own thing.

"He set the standard and I'm setting a different standard for myself," insisted the 28-year-old Darling Jr, who competed in his first competition for the year. "I learn from the best. Definitely I thank God for his genes."

Charles Reckley, the Bahamas national champion, captured the men's open bodybuilding title over Grand Bahamian Andrew Sweeting and veteran 74-year-old Sidney 'Butts' Outten.

In the women's Wellness category, Sarah Pierre emerged as the champion over Nadia Vanderpool and Sanadia Smith, who were second and third respectively.

And Shakeria Ferguson was the lone competitor entered in the women's open bikini. She also defended her title.

"It was an awesome feeling I wanted to do it to support Faye," Rolle said. "I really wanted some competitors because I really like to compete against others.

"But it was an awesome feeling. I will do it again with or without any competitors."

Phyllice Janeen was also the only competitor entered in the women;s open figure.