When the Covid 19 pandemic first hit, all form of sports came to a halt. However, restrictions were lifted and things returned to somewhat normal. The gyms were opened and athletes could train with some freedom. As a result, after a two-year hiatus Guyana’s top bodybuilders graced the stage of the National Cultural Centre on Sunday in the Guyana Bodybuilding Fitness Federation’s Seniors Championship. The athletes did not disappoint as the 200 in house audience witnessed the crowing of Darious Ramsammy as the new Mr Guyana and also the U176 division champion. Emmerson Campbell and Rosanna Fung Fung successfully defended their titles in the Mens Physique and Miss Bikini, Colin Chesney claimed the Masters and 177 and over division, Roger Calendar in the under 143 and Marlon Bennette in the under 154 division.
The competition was tough as each individual brought their best in their respective categories. From there the winners from the Masters, under 154, Under 176 and 177 and over vied for the title of overall champion.
The cash prizes for the overall competition were:
• Overall Bodybuilding $300,000
• Winner of each Bodybuilding category $50,000, 2nd-$30,000 and 3rd-$25,000.
• Winner of Men’s Phyisque: $200,000, 2nd-$100,000 and 3rd-$50,000.
• Winner of Bikini: $200,000, 2nd-$100,000 and 3rd-$50,000.
Mr Guyana Darious Ramsammy alongside H. E. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa High Commissioner
Masters Category
At the beginning of the show the crowd was itching for some much need action, the anticipation was there and the hunger as well. The first category contested was the Masters category, this had a total of five athletes but the battle was between Marlon ‘Bolo’ Bennette and Colin ‘Cleaner’ Chesney. The duo flexed and posed, giving the judges what they wanted, but Chesney from the moment he flexed his way onto the stage, one could have seen he was the winner as he was larger and well defined as compared to his fellow competitors. Hence when the results came out it was Chesney who got the better of Bennette.
Colin Chesney won the Masters and 177 and over division
Under 143 division
In this category only two athletes competed, namely Roger Calendar and Faraad Mohammed. Calendar of Space gym presented his package and wowed the judges as beat his Predator gym competitor. Both athletes, despite being two had the crowd in split decisions as they both posed a threat to each other. But in the end, it was Calendar who bagged the title.
Under 154 division
Marlon Bennette having lost the Masters, returned to capture this category as he was able to with stand the likes of Andre Wagner of Home Gym, Henry Bussey of Home Gym and Bryan Singh of Fitness 53. Bennette proved that age was just a number as he crushed his much younger opponents.
The battle between Darious Ramsammy and Colin Chesney was on for the MR Guyana title
Under 176 Division
This division had the entire crowd on their feet as Darious Ramsammy and Nicholas Albert fought for the coveted title. However, it was Ramsammy who had the last laugh as he was a beast slaying his opponent and taking the title. Albert settled for second while Omissi Williams and Odel Crum Ewing took third and fourth respectively.
Darious Ramsammy won the U176 division
Men’s Physique
This competition was a really close one as every athlete on the stage brought their best package. It was hard to judge who would be the winner but the judges made their decisions with great precision. Emmerson Campbell wowed the crowd to be titled as 5x Men’s Physique winner, he had close competition with Yannick Crimes who settled for second.
Emmerson Campbell has won the Men’s Physique title 5 times
Over 177 Division
The battle of the big guns, the battle of the big guys. Colin Chesney was once again in the fray, when stepping out on stay his presence was felt as he was the complete package. But Julio Sinclair came out and there was now a competition on the stage. The duo flex and posed and battled to their hearts content, but only one could win and it was Chesney who took the lead over Sinclair.
Colin Chesney won the Masters and 177 and over division
Miss Bikini
When the ladies took to the stage, the crowd went wild, they hypnotized the audience and captured their attention. One in particular was Rosanna Fung who won that category, her elegance and beauty matched her package as she finessed her way across the stage, owning the platform. Thus, in the end she was the winner, settling for second position was Angelica Barroncas and third Ashanti Conway.
Rosanna Fung defended her title in the Miss Bikini Category
Overall Title (Mr Guyana)
The battle of the Gods, the ultimate showdown, the most epic moment of the entire Seniors Championship Darious Ramsammy, Colin Chesney, Roger Callendar and Marlon Bennette brought their best on the stage. Each athlete gave the judges what they wanted as they fulfilled the appetite of the hungry crowd. But the crowd knew that the action was between Chesney and Ramsammy, they went wild as the duo posed for dear life. But the there were two, Ramsammy and Chesney stood side by side as the room went cold awaiting the results of the winner. The crowd erupted as Ramsammy was crowned MR Guyana edging out his competition as the GBBFF closed out the night of action.
Darious Ramsammy in awe after winning the title
Bess makes a statement
President of the GBBFF Keavon in a statement at the end of the competition said, “The show was well organized and all the logistical pieces worked well to ensure a seamless championship for the audience in attendance. The audience in attendance followed the Covid-19 rules and regulations which resulted in an incident free night of great Bodybuilding and Fitness challenges.
The judging was consistent for all the categories. The athletes all presented their great physique on stage and though extremely competitive sportsmanship wad of the highest.”
Bess noted that come 2022 Novice will be held in February, Immediate in Berbice in the month of June and Seniors at the end of next year after CAC which will be held in Barbados. He related that the Seniors Championship will aid the executive in selecting teams to represent Guyana in international competitions. The GBBFF boss lamented that bodybuilding hasnt had a live audience since 2019 however, he was grateful that they were able to accomplish winning the bid for CAC in 2024 which will be hosted in Guyana. He was adamant of the fact that him and his executive is aiming to ensure Guyana is represented in all categories at the CAC in 2024 by bring back the fitness category.
This event was sponsored by the National Sports Commission/ Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, DTS Trading and Shipping and Fitness Express.
