Financial Risk Manager by day and Bodybuilding rookie by night, Averton Brown of Fit Farm Fitness Club scored two big wins at the 34th staging of the Jamaica Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (JABBFA) Novice Bodybuilding competition on Saturday evening at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.

The 26-year-old Brown’s first win was the hearts and applause at the venue with rapturous screams from fans, supporters and well-wishers in the packed auditorium as he walked away with his first national title – the Novice Men’s Physique (open) winner. Rondel Walker from Classic Body Fitness gym placed second and Mikalo Parker placed third.

Brown shared what it was like entering and winning the coveted competition after preparing himself in a few short weeks.

“I go to the gym pretty religiously and I try to stick to pretty healthy diet all year long, but over the last 8 weeks with the help of my trainer Craig Smellie, I ramped things up so that I could be ready for the competition; lifting heavier than I normally would, doing posing classes and taking things out of my diet so that I could look the way I think I need to look,” said Brown.

Brown felt accomplished after receiving Saturday’s win, giving thanks to his support system, noting that his love for fitness started with his parents.

“I feel really good, I feel really accomplished, I’m very proud of myself; it took a lot out of me, the commitment to not drinking, not having fast food and just the support that I’ve gotten from all of my friends and family. This is not something I’ve necessarily had on my bucket list at the start of the year.”

He noted that during his high school years, swimming and tennis were central in his regime, with a gym routine being added in the last five years. For the competition, however, nutrition was key as well as time management.

“I’m not a novice to fitness (but to competition). I’ve always played tennis even to this day. In high school I would swim, I’ve always had a love for fitness and sport and eating healthy which I think came from my parents,” he said.

In the Junior category, Jordon Anderson copped first place with Anthony Brown placing second. In the Junior Bikini Fitness segment, Conecia Seaton and Danielle McCoy placed first and second, respectively, while in Junior Bodybuilding, Daniel Grant walked away with the top prize, with Jahiem Nelson placing second and Rojae Gordon landing in third. For the Novice Men’s Classic Bodybuilding, fitness enthusiast, Sean Flynn walked away as the winner. Alexzandra Young walked away with Novice Women’s Bikini Fitness (Open).

The latest addition to the JABBFA competition season, the Novice Women’s Fit Model category was captured by Nicole Lewis. Fit Model, a division that emphasizes balance, proportionality, and a healthy, athletic appearance saw four contestants for the initial run. Competitors were judged on overall physique, posture, and stage presence, with an added twist: they were assessed in wearing formal wear to highlight grace and poise. JABBFA launched the segment as an invitation to all females to step forward to showcase their physique on the stage.

In the Elite category for Seniors, Cecil Beacon a veteran bodybuilder captured gold; a feat he believes happened by his diligent and consistent dedication after 30 years in the sport.

Speaking at the event on Saturday, President Audrey Allwood, now in her third consecutive term shared, ‘This year’s Novice Championships stand as a testament to the vibrant future of Jamaican bodybuilding.  The strong participation from 15 gyms across the island underscores the sustainability and growing appeal of our novice and junior categories. 

Building on this momentum, we are actively developing programs to introduce bodybuilding competitions into high schools and colleges. The energy at the Courtleigh Auditorium on Saturday confirms we are on the right path.’ The next event in the JABBFA competition calendar happens in September with the National Senior Championships.