THERE was no stopping Joneil Pelage representing La Borde’s Gym from muscling his way to the Mr Saint Lucia Bodybuilding title on Saturday evening in front of a packed National Cultural Centre (NCC).
There was optimism all around at the NCC from the time the four competitors in the senior men’s category graced the stage.
On the Judges’ scorecards Pelage was good enough on the night to nose ahead of last year’s second place finisher Orville James of the Sidonie’s Brothers Gym.
Sarah Honora (Vel’s Fitness) was crowned Bikini champion ahead of Dilette Gerson (Fitness Freaks) in second place and Deanne Dujon (Voltage Fitness) in third place.
Honora was large and most definitely in charge of the Bikini category. It was her first year competing at the championships and she looked like a natural for the duration of her segment showing no signs of nervousness.
In an interview with the VOICE, she said, “I enjoyed it; it was my first time on stage. It was my first time having to deal with so many people in the audience, but I never really showed it while on stage. I am happy that I won”.
The experienced Velda John of (Vel’s Fitness centre) for the second year running won hands down as she was the only competitor in the Body Fitness/ Figure category.
In the Men’s Physique (short) Calum Samuel (Vel’s Fitness) won over Dwight Williams, second place (Mango Moon). Utan Stanley (La Borde’s Gym) secured third place with Joshua Etienne in fourth place (Keep Fit Gym) and Kevin Auguste in fifth place (Sidonie’s Brothers Gym).
Jabari Brout of (South Side) was the crowd’s favourite from start to finish in the Men’s Physique (Tall). The crowd kept shouting “No.57”, “No. 57” and when the final result was announced by the mistress of ceremony, Jabari was the clear winner ahead of Zimeron Leon, second place (Mango Moon), Kirby Charles, third place (Mango Moon), CerlebSteide, fourth place (Fitness Freaks), Lynton Delice, fifth place (Sidonie’s Brothers Gym), Naham Edwin, sixth place (Move Strong Gym), Kervin Daniel, seventh place (Sidonie’s Brothers Gym), Donavan Lewis, eighth place (Vel’s Fitness) and Lucan Pierre, ninth place (Fitness Freaks).
Only two competitors graced the stage in the Novice category and Kim Leon of La Borde’s Gym was the runaway winner on the night. He used his height to his advantage, wowed the crowd and placed ahead of Springer Lance Etienne who took second position.
The Intermediate division was a class act with four competitors. Owen Phillip ((Mango Moon) took the Intermediate title, while Semion Mathurin was in second place (Fitness Freaks), Alvin Remy, third place (Sidonie’s Brothers Gym) and Anthony Maynard (Sidonie’s Brothers Gym) despite having the crowd on its feet during the pose off, in fourth.
In the men’s bodybuilding contest, Joneil, hailing from La Borde’s Gym who competed in the Intermediate division title last year and won said, “I didn’t disappoint my fans and family members who came out in large numbers to support me. Coming out on top of a very competitive field of athletes who represented their respective gyms feels great”.
On stage, his form was clear evidence of long hours in the gym as the young man perfected every pose.
Pelage’s biggest rival on the night was Orville James (Sidonie’s Brother’s Gym) who maintained his second place from last year. Coming in third was Kurton Hubert (La Borde’s Gym) with Leonardo Esnard (Babonneau Fire Station) in fourth.
Apart from the competitive aspect of the showpiece, the two Elite Pro Guest Posers Saint Lucian Natasha Samuel – Ploeg and Raylison Maria gave the crowd something to talk about with a thrilling and entertaining display.
