The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE having some uncertainty about whether or not they will get to travel this year to the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in Aruba, Bahamas Bodybuilding and Wellness Federation president Joel Stubbs said he was pleased with the 10-member team’s performance.

The team, managed by Leonardo ‘Nardo’ Dean, produced a professional card with four gold, three silver and two bronze medals along with eight additional top six finishers for a total of 17 medals for a total of 125 points for seventh place.

Costa Rica topped the field of 10 countries with 238 points, followed by Aruba with 194 and Mexico finished the top three with 155. But Stubbs said going up against such powerhouses, Team Bahamas stood its ground.

“I am grateful once again to the almighty God for giving us the strength, courage and fortitude to perform to the best of our ability,” Stubbs said. “This performance speaks volumes to the success of our federation and the disciplined athletes within.”

While Terrion Kemp led the way for Team Bahamas becoming the latest Bahamian to earn his pro card as the overall winner in the men’s physique, Stubbs said that all of our athletes made the finals in their respective categories.

Former 100 metre hurdler Ivanique Kemp, who competed in the CAC Championships in athletics, made her debut on stage with a gold in the women’s wellness. Derica Thompson came out with the bronze and Andrecka Dames was fourth.

Also, Briceston Anderson picked up a pair of silver in the men’s fitness and physique, both Judah Forbes and Ricardo Gibson were fifth in the men’s physique and assistant coach Jason Johnson, as a pro competitor, displayed his strength in the men’s fitness challenge where he placed fifth.

Veteran Stephen Robinson got fourth in the men’s middleweight category after he got fifth in the men’s masters over 50 category and Grand Bahamian Orick Nesbitt also finished fourth in the men’s heavyweight to add to his sixth place earlier in the day in the men’s masters under 50 category heavyweight.

Stubbs, however, thanked the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for serving as their major corporate sponsor, coming through just in the nick of time, at the eleventh hour, to make their trip possible.

“I’m grateful that sponsorship arrived at the 11th hour, as we were uncertain about the entire team going on this mission,” said Stubbs, who wanted to make sure that history didn’t repeat itself after they failed to travel last year because of the lack of funding. “Nonetheless, we are determined to continue in the pursuit of excellence and greatness.”

Stubbs, however, praised the commitment of the entire team for pulling it all together for the success of the Bahamas. “Thanks to our team manager, coaches and judges who contributed in their capacity and lastly, but most importantly, the athletes who represented the turquoise blue, black and gold during the two days of fierce battle,” Stubbs said. “The team returns in high spirits knowing that they have accomplished a mission set forth. We look forward to bigger, brighter and better things to come in 2024.”

Team Bahamas is due home today and will start the preparation for next year’s championships that will be held in Guyana.