Antoinette Downie will make her first appearance of the 2018 International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) pro season in California tomorrow night at the San Jose Pro.
The former CARIFTA Games hurdler is seeking to continue her outstanding record on the pro scene, in which she has secured nine Top 10 finishes on the global stage.
“I am aiming for a win but top three would be great as well. I’m still in a position to qualify for the Olympia, so I’m not giving up,” she said before leaving Barbados on Wednesday.
The world-class women’s physique competitor told Weekend Sport she was sharp and ready after recovering from an illness earlier in the year that resulted in her being hospitalised.
“I am fully recovered and my prep has been steady and going well. The San Jose Pro show was a last-minute decision so I had to cut my carbohydrate intake down and up my healthy fats intake in order to bring my condition in a week early.
“My nutritionist Gareth Norris has been keeping a close eye on me, ensuring that I am on top of my game. I will be conversing with him via video cam,” she said.
Downie will be doing back-to-back contests as she will step on stage the following weekend in the Chicago Pro.
“I believe if I can maintain condition from the San Jose, I will do well at the Chicago show. I am pushing for similar condition or better by the time I reach Chicago,” she said.
Downie said she will showcase about 150 pounds of muscle.
“I should be between 150 and 155 pounds, which is my preferred contest weight. I have not added mass. It is about maintaining form. I am ready and I expect to do well,” she added.
Last season, the former Springer Memorial student confirmed her world-class status with three Top 10 finishes. She was tenth in the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio, in March and finished the year with second and third spots on the American circuit in November. (MK)
