The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

DEKEL 'Bowflex Barbie' Quant is pumped up and ready to take the stage for the biggest performance of her life at the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Quant, who left home on September 13, is in Las Vegas making last minute preparations for the figure competition as becomes the first Bahamian female to compete in the prestigious global event.

She will follow former Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation president Joel Stubbs as the only other Bahamian to compete in the Olympia.

In an interview with The Tribune, Quant outlined her preparation, her attendance and her expectations. With just days away from competition, she was asked how her training and preparation had been going in these final weeks.

"Training has gone extremely well. This has probably been one of the best preps I’ve had, not only physically, but mentally. I’m really proud of the level of discipline, consistency and execution I’ve brought to this entire process," said the personal fitness trainer by profession.

"These final weeks have been about staying focused, trusting the plan my coach and I have in place, and taking everything one day at a time."

She was also asked about her preparation beyond the workouts and what she's been doing physically and mentally to make sure you arrive at your best?

"There’s so much more that goes into preparing for a show at this level than what people see in the gym. Training is obviously a huge part of it, but so are nutrition, cardio, posing, recovery, sleep and managing stress," she stressed.

"I’ve also been balancing my businesses and responsibilities at home while preparing for the biggest competition of my career. Mentally, I’ve been very intentional about protecting my energy, controlling what I can control and not allowing outside noise to take me away from the goal."

As she gets set to compete, Quant was asked if it has sunk in yet that you’re about to step onto the Olympia stage, especially knowing what this moment represents in her career?

"I don’t think it completely has but being here in Vegas now definitely makes it feel more real. There are still moments where I stop and think, "But wow, I’m really about to compete at the Olympia," she proclaimed.

“This is the stage that you watch and dream about as a bodybuilder. To know that I earned my place there and that I’ll actually be standing among some of the best Figure athletes in the world is incredibly special. I think the magnitude of it may really hit me once I’m backstage and about to walk out."

Quant was eager to finish the questions on what's her expectations for her Olympia debut, and what would make this experience a successful one for her?

"My biggest expectation is of myself. I want to walk onto that stage knowing I did everything within my control to bring my absolute best. Of course, I’m a competitor and I want to be competitive, but I also understand the caliber of athletes

who earn the right to stand on the Olympia stage," she stated.

"For my first Olympia, I want to be present, execute what I’ve practiced, showcase the physique I worked so hard to build and genuinely enjoy the experience."

Like so many who have carried the flag for The Bahamas in other sports, Quant said she's proud to have that honor at this historic moment, both from a personal and national perspective.

"It means a tremendous amount to me. I want to be clear that I’m not competing as an official representative of any Bahamian federation or organization. I earned my qualification for the Olympia through my individual journey as a professional athlete," she pointed out.

"But I am Bahamian, and I am incredibly proud of that. The Bahamas is and will always be home. It's where my roots in fitness were planted and where most of my preparation for this journey took place. So, when I step onto the biggest stage in bodybuilding, I proudly carry my country’s flag with me because it is part

of who I am and part of my story."

With a lot of Bahamians at home and abroad following her journey, supporting her and seeing someone from our small country reach this level makes the moment even more meaningful, according to Quant.

"I hope it reminds another Bahamian athlete that where you come from doesn’t have to limit how far you can go," Quant said.

And as an athlete would expect, Quant said she's looking forward to soaking up the entire experience.

"Walking backstage, seeing the Olympia stage for the first time, standing beside athletes I’ve watched and respected for years, and finally having that moment under the lights," she noted.

"I’ve worked so hard to get here, so I really want to be present enough to take it all in. I’m also excited to have a lot of my family, friends and supporters there who have been following this journey and get to experience this milestone with me."

For those who won't be there in person, Quant is calling on their support when she competes in the Figure competition on Friday. The prejudging begins at 9:30 am and finals are scheduled for 6 pm.

"I’m especially excited that people back home who can’t make it to Las Vegas will still have an opportunity to follow along through the free Olympia livestream," she pointed out.

And just how much attention do she expect to pay to the other athletes in the figure lineup, is she studying any of them, or is she just focusing primarily on bringing the best version of herself to the stage, Quant assured the public that time will tell.

"I respect every woman who has earned her place on that stage because qualifying for the Olympia is an accomplishment in itself. But I’ve been very intentional about not building my preparation around who might be standing next to me," she quipped.

"I can’t control another athlete’s physique, preparation or performance. I can control mine. My job is to bring the best version of Dekel that I possibly can, present it confidently and execute when it matters. That mindset has helped me tremendously throughout this prep. I’m aware of the field, but my focus is

on what I’m bringing to the stage."