Gulf Classic bodybuilding competition   Muscular physique gold medallist Mervyn Dugasse proud of achievement |21 December 2021

MERVYN DUGASSE … Gulf Classic men’s muscular physique gold medallist

Seychellois bodybuilders have closed the 2021 season on a high with Mervyn Dugasse winning the men’s muscular physique gold medal at the recently held Gulf Classic bodybuilding competition in Dubai.

The men’s muscular physique category is intended for competitors with slightly bigger muscularity than accepted in the regular men’s physique.

Speaking to Sports NATION, Dugasse, 39, said he is happy with his performance and that of his other colleagues on the Seychelles team.

“We trained hard for the competition only to be told by the National Sports Council that we could not get all the help we wanted. It was a bitter pill to swallow but we gathered ourselves and raised R80,000 between us to make the trip possible,” said Dugasse.

“I competed in the men’s muscular physique category which is compared to the super heavyweight category in boxing, meaning the division with competitors with the biggest muscles. And I won the gold medal. I am proud of myself, but unhappy with the treatment received from the different authorities. I understand we want to produce elite athletes, but I am an elite athlete. And what do I get? Nothing. This will not stop me for doing bodybuilding as I have never benefitted a cent from government for over 10 years and I have always achieved good results,” noted Dugasse.

He added: “We thank all our sponsors and all those who believed and still believe in us. We have always made Seychelles proud each time we have had the chance to compete overseas and I can assure you will that we will produce more results in the future. Continue to support us as bodybuilding is one of the most expensive sports as athletes have to follow special diets at each stage of their preparation.”

The reigning bodybuilder of the year notes that he now needs to care of his health before starting his preparation for next year as they have already been invited to compete in Dubai in March next year.

“We have been invited to take part in the same competition next year and I will be working with more young bodybuilders so that they can make their debut on the big stage,” noted Dugasse who took it upon himself last year to take part in the same competition and was ranked seventh.

Asked if he will compete in future bodybuilding competitions locally, Dugasse, the reigning Mr Seychelles, replied: “I am not sure. I don’t think so because I don’t want to hinder the chances of younger athletes.”

In the bodybuilding event, veteran Joelaine Valentin, 62, won a silver medal after finishing second out of two competitors in the masters over 60 years old category and Ahmad Moncherry was ranked third out of 10 in the 90kg class for a bronze medal.

The other bodybuilders were ranked as follows:

Savio Larue finished 5th out of 5 in the under 80kg category in classic bodybuilding

Terry Moncherry finished 5th out of 6 in the up to 70kg category in classic bodybuilding

Rodney Henriette finished 7th out of 15 in the masters 45-49 years old category in bodybuilding

Randolph Prudence finished 7th of 10 in the 90kg category in bodybuilding

David Lenclume finished 9th out of 9 in classic physique.

Sports NATION learned through Rodney Henriette that the National Sports Council paid for the team’s accommodation in Dubai, airfares, PCR tests, food nutrition and contributed 250 euros to their individual registration fees of 350 euros each,

Meanwhile, Seychelles Bodybuilding and Physique Association (SBPA) chairman Kishnan Louise said he is satisfied with the results achieved by the athletes considering all they have been through and their inability to organise competitions locally due to restrictions as a results of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There’s still room for improvement, but I can say I am satisfied with the athletes’ performance. My wish is that the authorities and all concerned take bodybuilding seriously as we have not disappointed anyone each time we have gone on overseas missions. Right now the athletes are on their own and they do their very best to be the right shape ‒ physically and mentally ‒ on competition day,” said Mr Louise.

He also noted that the Seychelles Bodybuilding and Physique Association (SBPA) will run its annual general meeting next year and elect a new executive committee who will be tasked with working for the athletes and better their overall condition.

Gerard Govinden