FINANCIAL RISK manager by day and bodybuilding rookie by night, Averton Brown of Fit Farm Fitness Club scored two big wins at the 34th staging of the Jamaica Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (JABBFA) Novice Bodybuilding competition on Saturday evening at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.
Twenty-six-year-old Brown’s first win won the hearts and applause in the packed auditorium as he walked away with his first national title: the Novice Men’s Physique (Open). Rondel Walker from Classic Body Fitness gym was second and Mikalo Parker third.
Brown shared what it was like entering and winning the coveted competition after preparing himself in just weeks.
“I go to the gym pretty religiously, and I try to stick to a pretty healthy diet all year long, but over the last eight weeks, with the help of my trainer, Craig Smellie, I ramped things up so that I could be ready for the competition – lifting heavier than I normally would, doing posing classes, and taking things out of my diet so that I could look the way I think I need to look.”
Brown felt accomplished after Saturday’s win, giving thanks to his support system and noting that his love for fitness started with his parents.
“I feel really good, I feel really accomplished. I’m very proud of myself. It took a lot out of me – the commitment to not drinking, not having fast food, and just the support that I’ve gotten from all of my friends and family. This is not something I necessarily had on my bucket list at the start of the year.”
He noted that during his high school years, swimming and tennis were central in his regimen, with a gym routine being added in the last five years. For the competition, however, nutrition was key as well as time management.
“I’m not a novice to fitness (but to competition). I’ve always played tennis even to this day. In high school, I would swim. I’ve always had a love for fitness and sport and eating healthy, which I think came from my parents.”
In the Junior category, Jordon Anderson copped first place, with Anthony Brown placing second. In the Junior Bikini Fitness segment, Conecia Seaton and Danielle McCoy placed first and second, respectively, while in Junior Bodybuilding, Daniel Grant walked away with the top prize, with Jahiem Nelson placing second and Rojae Gordon landing third.
For the Novice Men’s Classic Bodybuilding, fitness enthusiast Sean Flynn walked away as the winner, with Alexzandra Young walking away with Novice Women’s Bikini Fitness (Open).
The latest addition to the JABBFA competition season, the Novice Women’s Fit Model category was captured by Nicole Lewis.
Fit Model, a division that emphasises balance, proportionality, and a healthy, athletic appearance saw four contestants in its inaugural running. Competitors were judged on overall physique, posture, and stage presence, with an added twist: they are assessed in wearing formal wear to highlight grace and poise.
JABBFA launched the segment as an invitation to all females to step forward to showcase their physique on the stage.
In the elite category for seniors, Cecil Beacon, a veteran bodybuilder, captured gold, a feat he believes happened due to his diligent and consistent dedication over 30 years in the sport.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, President Audrey Allwood, now in her third consecutive term, said: “This year’s Novice Championships stands as a testament to the vibrant future of Jamaican bodybuilding. The strong participation from 15 gyms across the island underscores the sustainability and growing appeal of our novice and junior categories. Building on this momentum, we are actively developing programmes to introduce bodybuilding competitions into the high schools and colleges. The energy at the Courtleigh Auditorium on Saturday confirms we are on the right path.”
The next event in the JABBFA competition calendar happens in September, with the National Senior Championships.
