The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

While Jason Johnson got a chance to demonstrate that he could compete with his peers in the region on the professional stage, Cara Saunders became the latest Bahamian to earn her pro bodybuilding card.

The duo were a part of a seven-member team that represented the Bahamas at the Roger Boyce Classic Championships held in Bridgetown, Barbados, over the weekend.

In winning the women’s wellness under 153cm category, Saunders secured her pro card, joining a list of about 15 who have achieved that feat, including Johnson, a recipient of his card in 2021. “I am pleased with what I was able to present and accomplish in Barbados. It was an amazing experience,” Saunders said. “I was super impressed by the amount of athletes that showed up and definitely showed out.

“This was actually my first time competing at this level in the region! So it was a little difficult to anticipate what would take place. Both amateur and pro shows were dazzling. I was so excited and grateful for the opportunity to grace the stage as a pro at the end of the night.”

Saunders is a former track and field athlete, so she’s accustomed to being in the limelight. But winning her pro card is beyond her wildest dreams.

“As a national junior track athlete, I always wanted to be a pro,” she said. “Although I’m not an Olympic sprinter, it feels sensational to have achieved such a feat as a bodybuilder.

“I am proud and honoured to be the newest Bahamian IFBB Elite Pro. 242 to the world.”

Saunders now joins a Bahamian list of pro bodybuilders that include Jameil Hamilton, Jimmy Norius, Enderich Rahming, Rashad Edgecombe, Lorraine LaFleur, Lakeisha Miller, Clarice Bain, Tammy Higgs-Stubbs, Angelika Wallace-Whitefield, Tanya Moxey-Cleare, Terran Knowles, Darvin Johnson, Kief Young and Raynor Ferguson.

Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation president Joel Stubbs, one of four pro card earners who has since retired (James Darling, Jena Mackey and Natasha Brown), said he was indeed gratified with the results in Barbados.

“Team Bahamas has done it again. They will be returning to the capital tomorrow with top placement in numerous categories,” Stubbs said. “The federation at large salutes Cara Saunders on winning the women’s wellness category, and achieving her pro card for the Bahamas.”

Saunders, according to Stubbs, will now compete in the various international contests around the world while carrying the flag with her.

Also at the championships, Johnson placed fourth in the men’s pro physique category and Dorcas Cox was second in women’s body-fitness (figure) category.

Fania Joseph got fourth in the women’s bikini fitness under 153cm category and both Enderich Rahming and Rashad Edgecombe finished just outside the top five spots.

“We as a federation will continue to elevate and receive top honours in our sport even though many don’t see our sport as a sport worth recognition, simply because it’s not aligned with the many sporting disciplines of the IOC. However, our athletes remain enthused and driven and will continue to represent the 242 in international sports. We say thank you to the athletes, coaches and fan support that was given during the preparation and participation for this event.”

Johnson, in congratulating Stubbs for the “awesome” job he’s doing as their president, said he was very pleased with his performance, despite the fact that he placed fourth overall.

“I was pleased with my posing and my conditioning for the event,” Johnson said. “I felt I brought a better package to the competition than I did when I competed last year.

“I had more size and my conditioning helped in my presentation with my physique.”

As a part of the team that represented the Bahamas, Johnson said the show was really great with a lot of competitors from around the Caribbean particip[ating.

“Everyone was on their game and they brought their best package to the shoe,” Johnson said. “I think what I experienced at the show will only help to push me further in my journey to being an outstanding professional bodybuilder.

“My line up was against 12 athletes from the Caribbean. I made the top five, which was a very good position for me. I spoke to the judges and the feedback that I got as there wasn’t anything wrong with me, but the judges selected who had the physique they wanted.”

Stubbs said the federation is now looking forward to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s staging of the sixth Bahamas Games when bodybuilding will take place at the University of the Bahamas.

Johnson, a personal trainer at Gains for Life, confirmed that he will be competing for Acklins as he represents the island of birth of his father.

As for Saunders, the Bahamas Games is also on her agenda.

“Bahamas Games for sure, but after that it’s back to the drawing board to commence the next phase of my bodybuilding career, “ she stated.

“‘The ‘Road to Pro’ ended in Barbados, so now it’s time to level up and chart a new course.”