Ziecko Herrera claimed the title of Men’s Bodybuilding Overall Winner on Saturday, 23 Oct, at the DFAC Caribbean Muscle Mayhem at the Arts and Recreation Centre in Camana Bay.
“It’s a good feeling,” Herrera told the Cayman Compass after being awarded the trophy. “I worked hard for the season…It’s just a joy and I give God thanks, my wife thanks and Mitch (Kingslyn Mitchell) thanks because he helped me a lot.”
The extravaganza featured 23 athletes competing in six categories under the natural bodybuilding Drug Free Athletes Coalition.
Organiser Dail Davis told the Compass that since its debut in 2019, the bodybuilding competition has gained traction despite the cancellation last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is important, to sort of reignite the passion of bodybuilding, for fitness in the country,” Davis said. “Our first show in 2019, I believe it was only 15 competitors…so it’s growing. I anticipate it will grow another 25 or 50% next year.”
He added the event, which has no age restrictions, complies with DFAC regulations, explaining that all of the winners take a urine test, and the samples sent off for analysis.
Of the sport in general, Davis said, “This is tough mentally so it’s just about helping each other.”
Richelle Ebanks, who has been promoting bodybuilding through her personal training business, won the 2021 Muscle Mayhem women’s figure class Saturday night. She said her preparation was difficult due to government COVID protocols.
“It affected a lot of people, especially gym-goers, being vaccinated to enter,” Ebanks said. “So, it was definitely a lot of obstacles that came along with this prep, but I am glad that I started earlier this time because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
In addition, Robert Thompson Jr., the 2019 Muscle Mayhem Men’s Bodybuilding Overall champion, made a special appearance during the competition as the guest poser. He told the Compass that he was honoured to perform in front of the home crowd.
“Being able to pose in front of… family members and competitors that look up to me in relation to bodybuilding, as a young Caymanian… means a lot,” Thompson said. “So, it’s a special feeling for me to go out there and express myself and show people this is what it’s about.”
Davis said that he and his team have “big plans” for the third annual event, expected to take place next year.
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