Mr Schoolboy Shaquille Lavine is about ready to mix it up with the big boys in local bodybuilding.
The Metropolitan student proved to be the master when the Michael Riley Classic was staged at Harrison College on Saturday night. He easily captured the Juniors division before taking the Open Classic by defeating defending champion Cyprian Mallett.
When the well defined Lavine was specifically placed to pose down with the bulkier Mallett in the Open – with the other competitors Reginald Thorpe, Zico Best and Lasco Byron looking on – it was obvious that the battle was well and truly on between the two.
Lavine did not just walk away with the first prize of $1 000 but also took the Best Back, Best Legs, Best Symmetry and Most Muscular awards, leaving Mallett with $500 and the consolation of being the Best Poser. Reginald Thorpe collected $300 for placing third.
Lavine said his focus would be on putting on more mass for a shot at other national events.
He added that he would encourage youngsters in the sport not to give up as he had lost many times before making 2013 one of success.
Ms Bikini Schoolgirl Macara Thornhill could not follow Lavine’s repeat as newcomer Sherry Mapp took the Bikini Fitness crown, spurred on by a large group of supporters from her workplace the Financial Services Commission.
The leaner Mapp displayed great form and confidence to top a group of nine talented females.
The former Deighton Griffith netballer said she was nervous coming into the show but her confidence grew thanks to the support of the crowd and her workmates.
“The support which I got from my club Flawless Concepts as well [as] friends and family in helping me stick to my diet has paid off,” said Mapp.
An upset of sorts also occurred in the Men’s Physique, with Lucky Camille, packing some smoking abs, beating last year’s winner Ryan Haynes into second place.
The third position among a large and competitive field of 11 was taken by Jermaine Reynolds.
There was just one competitor in the Masters, with Orlando Blenman showing good form at 50-plus.
The show, which attracted a modest crowd, opened with a display from primary school student Raheeim Flemming.
It closed with a flamboyant performence by guest poser Laron Gibson who left the stage and gave the cheering ladies some up-close and personal poses. (KB)
