Sobers impressed

Date: 01-06-2007 Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamBarbados

Former Barbados and Caribbean middleweight bodybuilding champion Walter Sobers was pleased with the muscle package on display in the Mr and Ms Bridgetown/Novice/Teenager showdown last Sunday at Combermere School.

Sobers, the public relations officer of the Barbados Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, said he was heartened to see more youngsters competing.

"I think Damian Harewood has done extremely well when compared to his last contest. Jonathan Nana
has improved as well."

However, despite the good showing, he was concerned that many bodybuilders were still staying away from the stage because of the lack of prize money.

"When I competed, I did so because I loved the sport and my goal was always to compete regionally and internationally for Barbados. If I had sat back and said the sport was too expensive, I would not have got the chance to compete in France, Malaysia, Spain,
Poland and around the Caribbean."

Sobers said no other amateur sport in Barbados offered prize money, and he was disappointed by the constant cry for the federation to come up with cash.

"You chose the sport, the sport doesn't choose you. If an athlete wants

to win, what does he do? He runs. If a bodybuilder wants to win, he must compete. I know it's an expensive sport. It was expensive in my day, and it still is expensive today. If I had the option to win $5 000
or the opportunity to compete for my country overseas,
I would rather compete for my country. The money
will go, but I will always have the memories and pride of representing Barbados."

The former champ also said some of the young bodybuilders were too impatient.

"Guys just want to get big quick and be No. 1. Bodybuilding is about patience. Loftus Roach had
me 6-0, but I kept at it and got closer until I beat him. You have to set goals; determine where you want
to be five years down the road."

Another disappointment of last Sunday's contest
was the small number of women bodybuilders.

"It's very hard for women," Sobers said. Many
of them get a start, but when they have to deal
with negative remarks from the public of them
looking like men and losing their femininity, it's not easy. And then they get pressure from boyfriends, and it's all over. It takes a strong woman to stay with it."