—-Says Clint Duke
Mr. Guyana 2010 Clint Duke has signaled an early warning to competitors of the upcoming 39th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) championships in Aruba from September 22-26.
Duke, 38, who is also a 2004 CAC silver medallist, told Stabroek Sport yesterday that he in the best shape and his preparation was prior to the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s (GABBFF) hosting of the senior championships last weekend, was geared toward competing at the CAC championships. He said that when he only gained the silver medal five years ago he vowed that he would return and take that top position the next time.
At the moment Duke said that his main focus is that elusive gold medal and therefore he has stepped up his training. He said that while there are some countries that normally register some talented bodybuilders he is positive that this year is his year for the gold medal.
He pointed out that the only thing that can break his spirit now is the announcement that he may not be able to attend the games because of a lack of funding. He revealed that this has broken his spirit in the past but he is hopeful that this will not recur.
He said that his mirror is his best friend and he likes what he sees and he will continue to take training seriously.
The GABBFF shortlisted an eight-member squad for the CAC Bodybuilding championships in Palm Beach, Aruba however, that list may go under the knife if the GABBFF does not garner US$10,000 to facilitate travel for the bodybuilders according to the association’s president Fiona Harris.
Harris had revealed to Stabroek Sport that she wrote a letter to the Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony to enlist his help so that Guyana may host the 40th anniversary of the games. According to Harris, this can only be done if Guyana is present at the general council meeting which will be held on the morning of the championships in Aruba.
Meanwhile, last year’s CAC bantamweight silver medallist Marlon Bennett, 34, revealed that at the moment he is trying to raise funds to travel but stated that he was in good shape for the championships. He said that his training is going well and he feels more comfortable in the lightweight division.
He also pointed out that he will be looking to improve on his 2009 silver medal performance.
The shortlisted athletes are Duke, 2009 Mr. Guyana Oswin Jones, who will be competing in the heavyweight division, Devon Davis (Mr. Guyana bantamweight 2010), Alisha Fortune (Miss Guyana Physique and CAC fifth place finalist in 2009), 2010 Miss Guyana runner up Kascia Beaton, Marlon Bennett (2009 CAC silver medalist and this year’s Mr. Guyana lightweight winner), Curtis Mc Kenzie (Mr. Guyana Men’s Fitness) and under-21 athlete Rudolph Blackman.
The CAC championship is sanctioned by the International Federation of BodyBuilders (IFBB) through the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (CACBBFF). The CACBBFF is a continental branch of the IFBB with 38 affiliated countries and territories.
