As Flex Night International 2014 unfolded on Sunday, the anticipation was palpable.
Would the Mr. Flex Night overall winner be a star like pro bodybuilder Sylvan Gardner or CAC medalist, Marlon Bennett or would a relative young gun like reigning Novices champion, Sylvester Andrews or Godfrey Stoby take the coveted prize?
After the dust settled, and every muscle fibre in each gladiator was pumped to the max, one man was left standing as the 2014 Mr. Flex Night Champion. His name is Godfrey Stoby.
The work horse from GMR&SC gym arrived at the National Cultural Centre to win. It was clear when he stepped on stage he would accept nothing else. Finishing in second place on numerous occasions to two-time Mr. Guyana, Kerwin Clarke who was in the audience in street clothes made him hungry for the title.
He knew what he needed to do to improve and he did just that. He was ripped and fuller than Andrews who pushed him to the limit in the under 176-pound category but the 2010 Novices winner held on for the win and then took the overall crown in the champions of champions pose down.
For Andrews it was his best ever showing. From the back he was downright freaky, but from the front and side, his crazy muscles were just outmatched by Stoby’s width, fullness and symmetry.
The crowd was impressed with every front and side pose Stoby hit as he smirked in approval.
Although he usually carries a lot of size, he seemed even more massive than he did at the Senior Championship in August. His presentation was the best ever, testament to him winning the best poser trophy also. He definitely deserved this award and will forever remember 2014 as the year he finally placed first at a major bodybuilding show.
Under 165-pound ruler, Bennett and over 176-pound champion, Alex Hamilton were second and third overall. Claiming divisional titles were Gardner (under 165 pounds, uncontested) and Zalim Bacchus (under 143 pounds).
Men’s Physique
It was not an easy choice, but the judges awarded the Men’s Physique Showdown trophy to Suriname’s Daes Burgzong with locals Emmerson Campbell and Yannick Grimes second and third.
Among a group of 15 awesome physiques, Burgzorg brought the shape and stage presence the judges most wanted to see.
Ms. Bikini
In the sizzling Ms. Bikini segment, Shawnell Warner upstaged her Surinamese rivals Suella Shepherd and Vanity Bouoe in the crowded category. The overall Ms. Bikini champion from Fitness Paradise’s gym was the near perfect mix of muscularity, symmetry, beauty and style.
Ms. Best Legs
Last but not least, the ever green Alisha Fortune took home the first place trophy in the Ms. Best Legs category ahead of Fiano Spencer and Sonia Cummings.
Clad in pink stilettos and matching swimsuit, Fortune was statuesque, well-conditioned, and in one of her best forms.
The show was well coordinated and the organizers must get a thumbs up.
IFBB pro, Suriname’s, Eddy Wilson guest posed at the event.
Sponsors included Fitness Express, Southland International Inc, Copa Airlines, Colour’s Boutique, IPA Pharmacy, Gizmos and Gadgets among others. (Emmerson Campbell)
