By Emmerson Campbell
Reigning king of this year’s third biennial Hugh Ross Classic (HRC), Kerwin Clarke, is brimming with confidence ahead of the 40th annual Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships billed for later this month in Puerto Rico.
Despite sustaining a right forearm injury last month, Clarke, who copped two titles (welterweight and overall) at the HRC in July, said he is going through high intensity workouts to get his already chiselled physique into the best shape ever to bring home a gold medal.
“I will definitely be performing to the best of my ability to represent Guyana and make my country proud by bringing back the gold,” Clarke said during an interview with Stabroek Sport yesterday.
“Preparations for CAC have been a bit challenging, because I sustained minor injuries during the process of my preparation. But I am training smart and I am observing my body while I take it through the rigorous training in order to put myself in the driving seat to grab a gold medal in Puerto Rico.”
The 24-year-old, who trains four days a week at Buddy’s Gym, mentioned that he is feverishly working on his flaws, which are parts of his back and calves, while also improving the remainder his award-winning physique.
Last year’s overall Novices Champion, noting that local athletes at the London Olympic Games returned to Guyana without medals, insisted that would not be the case with the team that will be
competing in Puerto Rico.
Clarke’s compatriot, lightweight Marlon Bennet (former CAC silver medallist) will also be heading to Puerto Rico on September 18 to compete at the championships.
Devon Davis (current bantamweight king) and Alicia Fortune (reigning Ms. Guyana and three-time HRC winner) are also scheduled to compete in Puerto Rico but this depends on funding.
The athletes were selected by a panel of judges last month which included Current Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) Vice President Hugh Ross, former GABBFF president and current Chairman of Flex Night Inc Donald Sinclair, and former GABBFF president Frank Tucker.
Athletes were chosen based on their ability and probability of winning medals in their respective categories.
The GABBFF currently has enough funds to send two athletes to Puerto Rico but will be looking for local sponsorship and support in an attempt to send the full four-member team in order to maximize Guyana’s chances of a successful showing at the Championships.
