While Cayman’s bodybuilders won five categories at the Mr. America competition in Atlantic City, Robert Thompson Jr., the nation’s premier competitor in that sport, was left feeling disappointed with the judging.
The only professional bodybuilder representing Cayman at that event, Thompson said he faced what he called sporting politics.
He won the Mr. America Open Pro Men’s Bodybuilding class, before contesting for the overall title, which he was looking to defend after winning last year’s event.
However, Thompson, who has been stacking victories since beginning his season, placed third overall, with American Rodney Addison, who Thompson had already beaten minutes before in their class, taking the overall title.
“Last year I was accepted, but this year if that had happened I would’ve … broken a record,” he said.
It’s a confusing result for Thompson who believes he was overlooked because he isn’t American. Since the Mr. America tournament began in 1938, no one has ever won consecutive overall titles, therefore if Thompson had taken the title this year, he would have been the first to accomplish that feat.
The event in Atlantic City marked Thompson’s his third competition in as many weeks and, despite having a rocky season as he struggled with losing a friend suffering with mental health issues, he felt he was in much better shape than the other entrants while still noting his respect for his fellow competitors.
“There was some back-end stuff, relating to political decisions based on me not being from America … so there was a lot of confusion. Everyone saw what happened and what was showcased and everyone was in disbelief trying to figure out why.
“I am not trying to belittle or disrespect any of the athletes, but I know for sure that this year I was way better than I was last year and I personally feel I was robbed of my title due to political decisions being made, which is very sad.”
Thompson said he understands the sacrifices and personal financial investment that it takes to be a professional bodybuilder, and takes these things very seriously, so much so, that he stressed he wouldn’t allow his hard work over the years to be dismissed again.
“Unfortunately, I might not be going back to the Mr. America Federation, which is a very sad thing for me to say, but at the end of the day, if nothing is … rectified in relation to how things turned out, that is my decision.
“I just feel like I should be judged and treated fairly, anywhere that I go to compete because I put in a lot of effort and work and time when it comes to me competing.”
Moments to celebrate for Cayman
Though Thompson didn’t walk away with the overall title, he did win his class and so did many of his countrymen who participated in the show.
Amadello Hebbert was among the crop of successful Caymanians at the competition. After placing sixth at last year’s event, Hebbert came with a point to prove this time around and claimed first in the amateur open men’s physique and second overall.
He noted that while many might have seen his performance last year as a setback, he used it as fuel for his fire and passion for bodybuilding.
“I returned to the gym, not discouraged, but more determined than ever,” Hebbert told the Compass. “Every workout, every meal, every sacrifice was aimed at one goal –improvement.
“This journey taught me that progress doesn’t happen overnight, and success requires consistency, resilience, and the ability to turn every setback into a lesson. To anyone out there looking to take on their own bodybuilding journey – or any goal – remember that it’s not about where you start, but how hard you’re willing to work to get where you want to be.”
Cary Hunte finished second behind Hebbert in the amateur open men’s physique.
Lloyd Barker Jr. won the classic amateur physique and the open amateur bodybuilding class, ahead of Akeem Whyte in second. Tidashi Bent Nelson earned gold for her efforts in the amateur wellness class.
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