AFTER enduring setbacks resulting from a brief period of illness, Hugh Arlington Ross promised to be ready for the World Championships on June 16 in Dublin, Ireland and ready he was. Not only did he win by a wide margin but was the most sought-after athlete after the pre-judging due to the overall package that he brought on stage.
His muscles were full and hard, his conditioning was razor sharp, he possessed a tanned skin to perfection and his posing was graceful, filled with poise and confidence, while he displayed a level of humility that was as a result of being extremely disciplined and the fans just could not seem to get enough of him.
Ross, who is based in the United States of America, is now the Masters Over-50 NABBA champion, winning hands down ahead of six other competitors, with Dave Steele (England), Herbie Chiang (Northern Ireland), Phil Kuklinski (New Zealand), Safa Tattan (Syria) and Dave Steca (England) placing second to fifth respectively.
Ross noted that during the pre-judging, his first view of the competitors in his category was while warming up backstage and he was left in awe at how massive some of the individuals were as, since it was an open class, there is no weight limitation.
He shared his views on how he felt: “I felt confident because I was able to add 7 pounds from Wednesday noon to Saturday morning’s prejudging as a result of my carbohydrate loading process. This placed me at a solid 202 pounds, shredded, and I was ready to do battle.
The prejudging was very detailed and rigorous with numerous comparisons which left me somewhat exhausted. They also had us do their individual routines there so all of the scoring was done at this point but no details were given.”
The final was held a few hours later which gave Ross the time to replenish with three meals between prejudging and the final and the rest is now history.
Ross also noted that it was never an easy task but his discipline and foundation have continued to serve him in good stead.
He is his own manager, coach and trainer and his performance has solidified him being the most successful bodybuilder Guyana has ever produced.
Ross now has the distinction of being a World Masters Over-50 Champ; Masters Over-50 Mr. Universe; Musclemania Professional; CAC Gold Medallist; NABBA USA National Overall Bodybuilding Champion; USA National Masters Overall Powerlifting Champion; ACE Personal Trainer; Sportsman-of-the-Year and a Medal of Service Recipient.
Ross, who is also a vice-president of the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF), is extending sincere gratitude to his family, friends, fellow athletes, fans and Giftland OfficeMax for their continued support.