Triple treat

BARBADOS’ bodybuilders flexed their regional muscle in Aruba on Saturday night to clinch a hat-trick of Central American and Caribbean titles.
The inexperienced squad with five newcomers in the line-up, turned back challenges from second-placed Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.
Barbados’ charge was led by the women’s team which secured three titles.
According to president of the Barbados Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Dr Andrew Forde, the women were very dominant and the men consistent in taking them to the team title for an unprecedented 28th time in the 38-year history of the championships.
“It was a resounding victory for the team and a wonderful performance by these inexperienced athletes,” Forde said.
In the women’s body fitness 158-cm class, Vickie Borman was victorious on her return to the stage, with teammate Jamilia Sokunbi finishing second.
The two Bajans were also in the posedown and Borman, a crowd favourite, was beaten in the end by Silvia Soberanis of Guatemala.  
Barbados also secured titles through Ramona Morgan for the second straight year in the body fitness 163cm and Nicole Carter in the women fitness.
According to Forde, who was elected chairman of the CAC medical committee, the standard in the women’s fitness was very high and surpassed last year’s by far.
“It was good to see Nicole’s superior fitness and symmetry and the body development that she has worked on over the last year. Nicole was ecstatic and overcome by her victory which culminated years of work in the fitness field.”
Carla Nicholls completed the women’s sweep with a second placed finish in the over-168cm category. 
In men’s bodybuilding, Ramon Broomes retained the junior title and in the process defeated the impressive Trinidadian Renel Charles, the son of top pro Darrem Charles, who was in the audience.
Broomes also challenged the seniors in the light middleweight division and placed second.
Another Barbadian, Dario Bryan, on debut, placed fourth in a high quality junior field.
Mr Barbados William Prescott, seeking his first Mr CAC title, was beaten into second place in the masters and heavyweight by Yunard Phillips.
 “William was not disgraced. He was in better shape but each time he comes, there always seems to be someone who is slightly better. He is a bit disappointed but his effort did a lot to allow Barbados to win the title,” Forde said
Bantamweight, Mike Worrell, in his first national appearance was fifth in one of the most competitive divisions at the championships. The 52-year-old flexed his muscles against competitors 20 years younger.
In what was described as the division with the best conditioned men, lightweight Patrick Harris placed second; as did Anderson “Fish” Bispham in the welterweight and another first timer, Rene Griffith in the middleweight.
Experienced light middleweight Therold Babb finished just outside the top six, while Patsy Small failed to make the finals in women’s bodybuilding.
In men’s fitness, Corey Greenidge, in his first outing at CAC placed fourth despite having an outstanding routine. He was reportedly the smallest competitor in the field.
Hugo Marquez was crowned Mr CAC after an outstanding performance to take the light heavyweight crown. Marquez was third last year in the amateur section of the Arnold Classic.
(PM)