Ford lifts Caribbean Aerobics crown

GERARD FORD got the better of Marlon Marquis to reclaim the title as “the region’s fittest athlete,” at the Caribbean Aerobics Championships on Sunday night. The 31-year-old Ford, the winner two years ago, copped the title which was vacated by last year’s champ Eleanor Patrick, as well as the $10,000 first prize. Marquis faded in the dying moments as the crowd egged on Ford, who was unflustered during the tense atmosphere. The 34-year-old Marquis was timed in one hour, three minutes and 36 seconds while Roger Hazard was third in 58 minutes 34 seconds.

Rory Moses placed fourth in 58 minutes eight seconds with Quintin Jarvis fifth in 58 minutes six seconds. Completing the top ten were Ian Sahadal (57.12 minutes), Jason Chapman (57.07), Mumtaz Amorali (54.29), Varma Lachan, who was later voted the top junior (53.40) and the top female finisher Ingrid Hannibal (50.16). The inclement weather seriously affected proceedings at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo, with the organisers being forced to relocate from the outdoor tennis courts to the indoor section.

In the end the show originally scheduled to start at 6 pm, got going at 8.30 pm with a cheerleading exhibition, followed by the endurance marathon which featured 49 competitors. The judges, making up for lost time, showed little mercy on the participants, as the field dwindled at a rapid pace. At the 45-minute stage, only 16 persons were on the floor and, at the hour mark, only Ford and Marquis were left to duel for the top prize. In other results, 74-year-old Edna Andrews and Gerard Arneaud took the top Masters prizes while Judith Joachim and Gerard Richards were the top Veterans.