Davis flexes to Mr. Guyana title; Alisha Fortune is still queen as GDF Gym dominate

Oct 22, 2012 Sports

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GABBFF Seniors 2012 – ‘Rise of the Machines’

By Franklin Wilson
With a sense that the sport of bodybuilding is constantly regaining the respect and love it has enjoyed in Guyana, athletes attached to the Guyana Defence Force are ensuring that they are a solid part of this positive new wave of development, or if you like ‘Rise of the Machines’.
On Saturday evening last at the Cliff Anderson Hall, watched by the largest audience at a GABBFF Senior’s in many years, Devon Davis of the Guyana Defence Force dethroned Total Fitness’ Clint Duke to become the new King of bodybuilding in Guyana.
Davis’ club mate Alisha Fortune was again unstoppable; her sole challenge Nadina Taharally of Interline Fitness Gym (West Bank Demerara) was unable to turn tables on her rival, Fortune winning the Ms. Body Fitness (Rd. 1 – Quarter Turns: Whole Swim Suit), Miss Body Fitness (Rd. 2 – Quarter Turns: Two Piece Swim Suit) and Miss Open Fitness (Bodybuilding: Free Posing Routine & 7 Compulsory Poses).
The evening’s guest posers, Jamaican born Canadian National Heavyweight Champion in the 33 – 45 age group {Masters} Tananarive McGowan and Guyanese, Canadian based Eustace Abraham also played their part in adding that special touch to the evening’s proceedings.
Both McGowan and Abraham who looked in flawless shape, paraded well toned and chiseled bodies that had the crowd asking for more. McGowan obliged by returning to satisfy the yearning of the crowd.
Abraham chose to leave his return for another date since the crowd wanted to see him pose off with inaugural Mr. Hugh Ross champion Mark ‘Uno’ Perry who will represent Guyana at the Darcy Beckles championship in Barbados later this month. Perry allowed the crowd a sneak preview of what he would look like in the Land of the Flying Fish.
From the time Davis entered the stage to start competition rolling on the night in the Bantamweight (65kg/143lb) category, his fans and supporters knew that the former champion Clint Duke was going to be in for a tough time.
Davis, just off from winning a gold medal at the CAC championships which ended a 7-year drought for Guyana, did not have much resistance in winning this category which saw Melroy Grant of Windoroju Gym (Berbice) taking the runner-up spot; 18-year-old Yogeshwar Nermaul (Muscle Mania Gym) the youngest competitor on the night placed third.

Duke ruled the roost yet again in the Light Middleweight (80kg/166-176lb) division but it was a close tussle with Delon Harlequin of Interline Fitness who placed second. Duke’ experience proved the difference between the two. William Ward (Total Fitness Gym) came in third.
The Welterweight (75kg/155-165lb) contest proved the most competitive of the evening with six athletes lining up. Two comparisons of the athletes were required for the judges to arrive at the eventual winner and other top athletes in this category.
When that was over, Rudolph Blackman (Power House Gym) took the top spot ahead of Selwyn Grogan of Interline Fitness and Sherman Haynes of Windoroju Gym.
Another GDF athlete, Anthony Rogers made light work of his opponents in the Lightweight (70kg/144-154lb) showdown. The well toned and chiseled Rogers, was a clear winner from the time he hit the stage.  Windoroju’s Alston Lancaster had to settle for second with Alfred London of Total Fitness, third.
London returned later to win the Masters Over-40 category from club mate William Ward and Al Dowding (Interline Fitness) in that order.
In the clash of the big boys, Heavyweight (177 & Over), another three-way battle, Physically Challenged (hearing Impaired) Andel Cameron of Interline Fitness proved that an disability is by no means a deterrent to them competing against those who are not.
Cameron’s 15-plus years of experience was brought to bear as he won this category hands down from Michael Dos Santos (Total Fitness) and Al Dowding.
All the first place winners as well as 2nd and 3rd place athletes were rewarded with trophies and gift vouchers compliments of Fitness Express for their sterling efforts. The overall winner was the recipient of a 32″ TV sponsored by Digital Technology and this was presented to Devon Davis by their Sales Representative Melissa Adams.
Banks DIH Vita Malt Brand Manager Clayton McKenzie, Giftland Officemax Marketing Manager Compton Bobb were also on hand to assist with the presentation of prizes.
The full list of sponsors for the event were, DeSinco Trading under their Degree Adrenaline brand, Digital Technology, Banks DIH under their Vita Malt brand, Fitness Express, Subs & Salads, E&L Boutique, Giftland Officemax, Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, Kross Kolor Records, Sleep Inn International Hotel, Sterling Products and Tent City.
During the proceedings, one minute silence was observed in memory of the late Sammy Barker and Raymond Ali who served the sport with distinction during their lifetime.

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