49th annual Central and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championship 2022…

-Hints at possible at retirement from CAC following this year’s competition

By Clifton Ross
DECORATED Guyanese bodybuilder, Emmerson Campbell said he wants gold and nothing less, hinting at possibly participating in his last Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championship (CAC), which is set to get underway from July 27-August 1, in Barbados.

During an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport on Tuesday, the national champion said this 6th year at competing in the CAC is crucial for numerous reasons but, more importantly, it will define his career going forward.

Touching on how the re-emergence of life, post COVID-19, has allowed athletes to further re-enter the world, moreover their training and utilization of public workout facilities, Campbell credited the newly opened Space Gym and its state-of-the-art equipment, as a huge new boost ahead of the event.

“With the opening of the new state-of-the-art fitness facility, Space Gym 2.0, I think it has taken my training to another level. I definitely will be the best version of myself come Game Day in Barbados next month”, said Campbell.

Given that ones dietary habits play a pivotal role in the overall aspect of fitness, the bodybuilder somewhat resented the notion of tweaking his regular eating regiments, highlighting the importance of sticking to the routine which has been working.

“My diet is pretty much the same. They say ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’. So I stick to my oatmeal, eggs, tuna, rice, sweet potatoes, cabbage and chicken breast diet, along with cardio to get into winning shape. Last year, I was disappointed with another silver medal outing, so this year, as usual, just the gold is on my radar”. He explained.

While the pandemic ravaged all facets of life since it’s emergence, sports in particular has suffered tremendously. Now, with things a bit normal due to a number of measures and existing mandates, Campbell noted that it was great to once again be able to train properly, yet safely, following a tedious break.

“Well the pandemic not only affected me but I’m sure it had a ripple effect on almost every athlete and everyone in the world. I’ve learned to cope with it and work around the restrictions. And now that most of the restrictions have lifted, its even better now to workout maskless and breathe in fresh air and train more comfortably”.

A consistent performer in past CAC bodybuilding tournaments held regionally, the veteran, however still young and now entering his prime, has eluded to this year’s competition possibly being his last regional tournament.

This year’s meet will see the Guyanese being a deadyeye with regard to achieving on the gold medal, the ultimate prize which has eluded him for some 5 years.

“This event is crucial for me. I see it as perhaps my last CAC event. I’ve been to five and medalled at three. This will be my sixth and the last time the gold will evade me”. He concluded.