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Gina and Jay win GB TitlesDate: 02.07.2007
Posted by: Anabolic Info Team Bahamas
It took seven years for a rematch, but Anthony Bastian came home from Atlanta and got the rematch he wanted with local top bodybuilder, Jay Darling.
It was back in 2000 in Nassau, the two met in the posedown for the men's overall title at the National Bodybuilding championships and Jay Darling came out the better man, winning the national title and sending Bastian back to Atlanta to think about where he went wrong.
On Saturday night at the Hilton Outten Convention Centre, seven years later, Bastian was back and he and Jay clashed again in the men's posedown for the Grand Bahama Bodybuilding Championship title.
This time Bastian had returned home bigger and better and with a stronger determination for revenge. But again, it was not enough to beat Darling, who was so full and ripped that it took very little effort for him to flex and showcase his muscles.
"When I first heard he (Anthony) was back in town and out for revenge on me, the first thing that went through my mind was, I was trying to remember who he was," admitted Darling, following Saturday night's win.
"But when I saw him, it started to come back to me. But I wasn't worried, because I knew what I had to do when I got on the stage."
And Darling did what he does best.
His free posing was superb, giving him the men's "best poser" award for the night.
In the overall posedown, Darling didn't hold back as he and Bastian jockeyed for position on the front section of the stage.
The overall posedown showed Jay at his best, revealing every striation and muscle separation. His mass density was too much for Bastian and the judges' final decision was handed down quickly.
"I love what I do and this is not just something on the side that I do, this is my life," said Darling.
"I'm motivated by the fact that as a Defence Force Marine, I have an opportunity to serve my country and I take that very seriously. So, I know how important it is for me to stay in shape. And with this sport I have another avenue to serve my country and again, I take that serious."
Anthony Bastian was not all that disappointed in the second place finish, because he said he would have another shot at the Nationals in Nassau later this month.
Again, he's looking forward to going head-to-head with Jay Darling.
"I'm looking forward to being much sharper than I was at this show," said Bastian.
It was a surprise that Bastian beat out Aaron Greene in the heavyweight division, to get to the overall posedown.
Both Bastian and Greene displayed huge muscle mass, but it appeared that Greene had more definition.
However, the judges saw it differently and gave the heavyweight title to Bastian.
Winning the ladies' overall title again was Gina Mackey, who didn't seem surprised at all in her victory. Although she had a little more competition this year in the persons of Tammy Stubbs and Lillian Moncur during the comparison poses, it was evident that Gina held the edge.
"To me, this show was better, because I feel I had more competition," said Mackey.
"I think I was much tighter this year than I was last year. I wanted to come here sharper than last time and see how I would look as I get ready for the Nationals."
Gina says she never tires of winning and takes each win in stride. She said that as she prepares for the Nationals, she will continue to work as hard and eat the same, although she expects to "step it up a notch" when it comes to her training.
Gina also won first place in the women's Master's division.
Grand Bahamian, Tammy Stubbs came out much bigger and more defined this year than last year, and easily won the ladies' lightweight division. Although the two other competitors in the ladies' overall were much bigger than she was, Tammy held her own during the overall posedown, showing the judges just how much she improved since last year.
KING AND QUEEN - Jay Darling and Gina Mackey took home the major titles at this year's Grand Bahama Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, which was held on Saturday night at the Hilton Outten Convention Centre. Gina won overall female and Jay won overall male titles. (Sports photo by Andrew Coakley) |
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