– Mr. Guyana Physique Champ gunning for Pro Card

By Clifton Ross
Fitness Guru and Guyana/Commonwealth bodybuilder, Emmerson Campbell, said he’s staying optimistic and enthused amid the pandemic, adding that he can’t wait to restart his training regimen, but in an innocuous setting.
The national powerlifter who, a few months ago, said he wanted to be a ‘Voice’ for Guyanese and athletes alike in the fight against the deadly COVID-19 plague, told Chronicle Sports on Friday that his state-of-mind had never been more fixated on getting back in peak shape while keeping himself as safe as possible as the world rides out the coronavirus.

“I was a bit disappointed (when the outbreak came) but it was quickly put into perspective, just knowing what was happening all around the world and here in Guyana and what everyone was experiencing, this great loss of jobs and huge disruption [to] normalcy”, said the commonwealth athlete.

Campbell, a certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist and a decorated CAC Silver and Bronze medalist and 4-time Mr. Guyana Men’s Physique Champion, said keeping a strong mindset is key during this time of isolation. The strongman added that prior to the outbreak, he was preparing to return to the stage this year with his sights set on earning a Pro card.

“I had my sights set on again representing Guyana at CAC with the goal of earning a pro card this year, but I’m all for prioritizing the health and safety of athletes and spectators. All I can do is remain positive and focused on the new dates for qualification and be prepared when the time comes”, Campbell explained.

Like most professional sportsmen, Campbell has been served some unwanted downtime, which hit most ‘gym rats’ like himself hard as they were forced to work out at home or in makeshift environments. Using quarantine to focus on other aspects of keeping fit without the use of weights, the 2-time Sports Journalist of the Year said he was deeply into learning Spanish as well as placing more emphasis on eating healthier and finding newer ways to stay safe.

“Right now, the time off from the gym routine and dieting has been quite refreshing. I haven’t had a break this long since 2013 and although it was not planned by me, it’s all part of God’s plan. However, I am still inspired and still hungry to earn a Pro card at the highest level regionally and, when the time comes, to start competition training and competing in-person again ahead. I feel confident steps will be taken to ensure the safety of all athletes” he stated.

Wrapping up his interview, the muscleman encouraged all Guyanese, athletes and non-athletes, to continue observing the various health and safety protocols while ensuring they find time to exercise and eat as clean as possible; in the indeterminate wait for normalcy to return.