PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten was well represented at the 43rd Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships (CAC) 2015 held in the Bahamas September 24 to 27. Twenty five countries participated with a total of 214 athletes.
The six athletes from the St. Maarten Body Building & Fitness Association (SMBBFA) walked away with a pro card, a third place, a fifth place and a sixth place finish.
Yoly Hawley won her category Bikini Fitness (up to and including 169) and went on to win the overall trophy beating out the four other Bikini winners earning her pro status.
The five (5) other local athletes were Maudienne Profas-Women's Physique (tall class), Leon Bussue-Classic Bodybuilding, Cleopatra Carti-Body Fitness (over 168cm) Ashlon Cicilia-Men's Physique (up to & including 174cm) and Stephan Ellis-Men's Physique (over 178cm).
Prejudging was held on Friday. The top six (6) athletes in each group proceeded to the finals held on Saturday. Athletes in the top six were awarded medals.
Bussue placed third. Out of 7 competitors Carti made top 6 and proceeded to the finals where she placed sixth. Cicilia, making his first appearance at CAC made it to the top six (6) and placed fifth.
Ellis also competing in for the first time at CAC placed tenth out of fourteen athletes.
“I have to say the past two (2) years of being President of the association have been very fruitful and successful,” said SMBBFA President Martina. V. Rodney.
“One of the greatest disappointments of the night was our Women's Physique competitor Ms. Maudienne Profas. Due to a technicality in her swim wear she was disqualified from the competition in the pre-judging. It really broke my heart as well as her teammates...”
Rodney continued,” To make it to the CAC is a great deed by itself but to be able to make it to the top 6 and then having the advantage to make it to the top 3 is a great accomplishment as you are competing among the best athletes in the Caribbean & Central America.”
