by DAVID ASHBY

THE 2009 SUNSHINE CEREALS Mr Schoolboy Bodybuilding and Miss Body Fitness Championships come off today at the St Michael School at 4 p.m.

A whopping 77 competitors will be on stage from various schools across the island, and many parents, relatives and schoolchildren are expected to fill the hall at the Martindale's Road school to cheer on the athletes.

In the Boys' Bodybuilding Seniors, Jonathan Nana is the one to watch. He has been making steady progress, and after placing third at last year's championships, is expected to come out on top this evening. In order to make sure this happens, he must hit the stage with more ripped muscle mass than last year. However, he may still have to keep his eye on Devon Franklyn and Quantarra Parris, who placed fourth and fifth respectively last year.

In the Girls' Body Fitness Seniors, 13 competitors from Barbados Community College, Lodge, Springer Memorial, Foundation, Alexandra and Queen's College will face the judges. They will be judged in two-piece swimwear after months of whipping their physiques into the best condition possible.

The juges will be looking for symmetry, a low bodyfat level, and lean muscle. Also, poise and posture will be key as the girls walk the stage in heels. Alicia Archer, Jenila Atherley and Jeanna Johnson, who placed in the Top 5 last year, will be back again, therefore a keen battle is expected in this category.

Only two competitors are on the list for the Upper Junior Boys (age 12-15) Bodybuilding. Last year's winner Shaquille Lavine of Princess Margaret is no doubt the favourite going into the competition. He has a balanced physique as well as an amazing set of abs. The other competitor, Zachary Browne of St George Secondary, will have to pull something out of the bag to beat Lavine.

Other categories include the Junior Girls and Boys (age 9-11) Bodybuilding; Tiny Tot Boys and Girls (age 6-8) Bodybuilding; and Tiny Tot Girls (age 6-8) Body Fitness, all of which will be well represented.

Six-time Miss Fitness Barbados and professional figure competitor Rosalind Vanderpool will be on hand to show Barbadians the superb form she has obtained.

Vanderpool has so far had a very satisfying year on the international figure scene, placing in the Top 10 in her last few outings and must feel confident that she could win on the world stage in the near future.