It is a staple on the September celebrations calendar and this year the Belize Bodybuilding Association didn't disappoint. It was a feast of physical perfection at the annual Mr. Belize Contest held Friday night at the Bliss Center. But Keith found that there's more than just muscle in this game, there's pride, practice and for a pair of young winners, a tradition of excellence.
Keith Swift Reporting,
The first category was 'Junior B' - call it beginners for bodybuilding. Deon Banner was the first of six competitors.
[Junior B contestants posing for judges]
And by the time the posing was over, and all the votes were tabulated, the winners were in. Deon Banner placed third and Elsworth Tillet was second. The winner was announced by Body Building Association President Alfred McKenzie.
Alfred McKenzie, BBA Acting President
"Mr. Belize 2006 in the B class goes to competitor number five."
This was the first win ever for 19-year-old Michael Buckley but it wouldn't be his only win on Friday night. Michael and his twin brother Linsford would go on to dominate the show in just about every category. The brothers went head to head in the bout for the junior Mister Belize. Linsford was the defending champ. Friday he was dethroned by his brother Michael. He had to settle for second place.
The Master's division followed and that was easily won by Dylon Jones with a competent challenge from Joseph McClaren and a resurgent Joe Obispo.
Those muscles would later make way for curves as five contestants for Miss Body Fitness took to the stage. The competitors were Averis Stedman, defending champ Gina Lovell, Shakira Oxley, Kayla Myvette, and Jasmine Arnold.
Alfred McKenzie,
"This is the easiest, in my opinion as a past judge, this is the easiest competition that the International Federation of Bodybuilders has ever produced. It is so easy, it is easier than Miss Belize or Queen of the Bay; no questions just a nice physique, a well toned physique, and you can go from there."
The ladies would later trade in those full body bathing suits for these sets of two piece. The decision was left to the judges and minutes later it was known. Shakira Oxley was third, defending champ Gina Lovell was the runner up, and the winner was announced by President McKenzie.
Alfred McKenzie,
"Our winner 2006 Female Body Fitness is Miss Kayla Myvette."
One woman who didn't compete was Kimberly Weir. She is a silver medallist from the Central American Games and on Friday night she did a fitness exhibition.
But the most important contest of the night was the race for Mr. Belize. It was time for the big boys to play. There were four competitors. First there was another appearance by Michael Buckley. He faced the legendary Joe Obispo, Roger Sutherland, and defending champ Deon Danderson. For lovers of bodybuilding, it couldn't get any better than this.
[Video Montage of Competitors Posing]
When that posing was over, the winners were in. Third went to newcomer Michael Buckley, Roger Sutherland placed second and the 2006 Mr. Belize was announced.
Alfred McKenzie,
"Frist place, back to back, 2005 and 2006, Deon Danderson."
Danderson says he went into Friday's show confident.
Dion Danderson, Mr. Belize 2006
"I feel quite excited because I know I was going to win but I had a few setbacks so I just planned and I went back a few weeks before the contest."
And while Danderson took home one trophy, the big one, collectively, the Buckley brothers took home four trophies. They are only nineteen years old and both have already snagged big wins. They want you to call them the twin towers of Belize. Today along with their uncle, bodybuilder Gerald Davis, they showed me their gym. It looks small but this is where men are made in to champions. Michael and Linsford told me it is all in the family.
Linsford Buckley,
"It works like a family because it was my uncle who was competing and then second it was me and then my brother so it is a good experience for me."
Keith Swift,
Now you beat him in the Junior A. How does that make you feel?
Michael Buckley,
"Well I know I would have beat him because I was a little bit bigger and more conditioned and more ripped."
And along with bigger muscles, Michael already has his sights set on a bigger title.
Michael Buckley,
"I hoping next year I am the first junior to win the senior."
For his first place, Deon Danderson took home $1,000 in cash and a trophy.
