Guyanese bodybuilders to boycott future shows

LAST THURSDAY, three local bodybuilders namely Godfrey Stoby, Marlon Bennett and Careus Cipriani left these shores to compete in the Darcy Beckles Invitational Classic in Barbados. 

However, on their return from the show, they have decided to ‘never ever’ enter the event again, even though both Stoby and Bennett competed in the International Classic for the second time, having first done so in 2010.
Stoby placed fifth, the best placing by a Guyanese at the event, but according to coach of the team, Videsh Sookram, the decision was a ‘blatant robbery’, while Bennett was placed sixth. Sookram told Chronicle Sport even the home crowd felt the decision was harsh.
“I felt Stoby should have placed better, second or third but definitely not fifth. It was robbery, like in your face. Even the Bajans booed when the decision was announced. When Stoby entered, other bodybuilders saw what he had to offer,” said Sookram who added that Cipriani, in his first outing at the event, should have also placed better.
The Men’s Physique class in which he competed features athletes, who prefer to develop a less muscular, yet athletic and aesthetically pleasing physique.
“They gave the title to a guy who was muscular, so Cipriani said that’s it for him in Barbados,” noted Sookram.
The team did not launch any official protest. Instead they are to boycott future Darcy Beckles Invitational events.
Despite the setback, Sookram said he thought the trio performed well, adding that the athletes had the chance to interact with Ian ‘The Blade’ Jackson, a former Mr Olympia (2008).
Whether or not other local bodybuilders will compete in future Darcy Beckles Invitational Classics which is organised by former Barbados champion Roger Boyce in honour of the celebrated Darcy Beckles, who won every major local and Caribbean contest during his heyday and was the spearhead of Barbados’ assault on the Mr Universe stage from 1976-79, is left to be seen.

(By Leeron Brumell)