The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

LORRAINE LaFleur emerged as the champion of the Orlando TY Pope Classic over the weekend in Orlando, Florida.

One of two Bahamians competing in the event, LaFleur participated in three divisions and captured the titles in the novice, masters and open categories as she dominated the competition.

It was LaFleur’s second appearance at the NPC event and she couldn’t be happier with all that she received as champion, including the crown, the slash, a ring, clothes, a bag full of supplements and most importantly, a reimbursement on some of the expenses she incurred to get to the event.

“The competition was good,” said LaFleur, one of four ladies competing in her division. “When I go on stage, I’m prepared, so I go there ready for whatever comes my way.”

And it showed in her performance.

“This was by far my best condition that I was in going into the competition,” said LaFleur, a owner and personal trainer at Gains For Life with her male pro bodybuilder partner Jason Johnson.

“For me this is my year as a pro. I was more relaxed and I had more time to focus on myself. So I was very happy with my performance.”

Also travelling and competing in the championship with LaFleur was Aaron Mackey, who was third in the men’s Classic Physique and fourth in the Men’s Physique.

Now that she’s back home, LaFleur said she will be on stage on Saturday night as she competes in the Bahamas Bodybuilding Federation’s National Championships at the University of the Bahamas’ Performance Arts Center.

“They want all of the pros to step on stage and perform, so I have to do that,” said LaFleur as she gears up to compete in the open division this weekend.

“I am coming to perform for the crowd and to have some fun.”

Then come November, LaFleur said she intends to compete in the next NPC show that is scheduled to take place at the Atlantis resort as she closes out the year on a high note.