Gold for Walcott, De Freitas at CAC Games

TRINIDAD and Tobago made history when a four-member team brought home double gold from the recent CAC Fitness Games, a first for any country at the event. Four-time entrant Karen Walcott won the Fitness (medium class) title and also copped the Best Fitness Routine award. Gillian De Freitas also won Fitness (tall class) and Best Fitness Routine in her category. Diane Malchan was  second in the Fitness (medium class) and Damian George finished fifth in Men’s Welterweight division. “What this means is that we have literally placed Trinidad and Tobago on the international map. “They’ve gone a step further, they can now have the opportunity to represent Trinidad and Tobago and themselves in the international ranks sanctioned by the IBF (International Bodybuilding Federation),” said team coach and public relations officer of  the TT Bodybuilding Federation, Ian Levia.

“We hope people would look at the sport as total allround development as individuals, and the ability for athletes to have a job where they can compete. “It is an international sport and everybody around the world is trying to do what these girls did, that is, turn pro.” Speaking on behalf of the team Walcott told Newsday  their victories were a result of  “great team effort. We were all trying to stick together and it feels good knowing that our hard work, injuries included, produced good results.” De Freitas added: “We picked up with a really good trainer because we came from no gymnastic or acrobatic background, we came from nothing. So this shows that you don’t have to be in superior body form to get involved in this sport.”

Hours before her performance at the games, Malchan had to be hospitalised. “I was determined to do what I came to do and everybody was there for me,” she said. Top bodybuilder Dechon Durity was not able to join the team this year due to injuries. “We were bothered and hurt that he didn’t go but we still thank him for his support. We also thank our trainer Ian Adams, Kiss Baking, Lucozade Sports, NP, Shane Winner and Associates and the Bodybuilding Federation. “Finally, we thank God because without him you can’t do anything.” Meanwhile, the senior bodybuilding competition and Miss Fitness Championships will take place at Queen’s Hall on October 26.