The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemdedia.net

Although they would have preferred to compete at the 49th Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships earlier this month, the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation made up for their absence with an impressive showing at the Miami Grand Prix Classic over the weekend.

Competing against 14 countries, including Poland, Iceland, Chile and Ecuador, Team Bahamas amassed two professional cards from their pair of gold-medal performances from Davin Johnson and Kaif Young, along with a silver, three bronze, a fifth and a sixth place.

“Despite, the recent offset and not being able to compete at the 49th CAC Championships in Barbados last month, I am pleased to announce that Team Bahamas hurdled its way through and had a successful showing at the Miami Grand Prix Classics,” said federation president Joel Stubbs.

“We were privileged and most excited to showcase our talent to the world and as I mentioned before, if we are afforded the opportunity, we will bring back the hardware.

“Once again we have delivered and the record speaks for itself.”

The federation had to abort their trip to Barbados for the CAC Championships at the 11th hour after they failed to secure the necessary funding in time to send the team off. It left a bitter taste in the mouths of the competitors, but while some remained training in preparation for the trip to Miami, others shut it down for the rest of the year.

A total of 11 competitors represented the Bahamas at the show where Johnson and Young both achieved their gold medals in the Men’s Physique categories, taking the E and F classes respectively, while placing first and second over

all in the pose down. Judah Forbes and Gemo Smith both got fourth in their respective dicvisions.

In the bodybuilding segment of the show, Giovanni Farrington got a bronze medal and Grand Bahamian Orick Nesbitt was fifth.

Fania Joseph picked up a silver medal in the women’s Bikini Short Class, Cara Saunders came out with a bronze medal in the women’s Bikini Wellness and Dorcus Cox was fourth in the Women’s Figure.

In addition to the hardware they received, head judge Charles Sealy and public relations officer Leonardo ‘Nardo’ Dean were both presented with their international referee’s red card, which allows them to officiate at any international competition.

“I wish to state that the overall team effort, support, and morale was exceptional. Much love, care and encouragement was demonstrated,” Stubbs said. “These athletes persevered and worked extremely hard to get to the world stage and I commend them for the sacrifices made on behalf of the federation and the Bahamian people.

“As we close the season and while athletes regroup, we encourage others to come forth and explore bodybuilding, wellness and fitness, as we are expecting next year to be even more electrifying with new talents gracing the stage.”

Stubbs publicly thanked the Bahamas Government and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for the financial assistance and for making this trip possible.