Bodybuilding and Fitness: IFBB International Grand Prix Seychelles |23 October 2023

Pro-card winner Savio Larue (Photo: Roland Duval) (Photo: Roland Duval)

Savio Larue grabs men’s physique pro-card

• Mauritian posers dominate proceedings

Local flex poser Savio Larue has become the second Seychellois athlete to receive an International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness pro-card and now has the opportunity to follow a genuine career as a professional bodybuilder, following in the footsteps of compatriot Ziad Aladou Mekdachi who became the first Seychellois professional bodybuilder in 2019.

Larue won the prestigious accreditation on Saturday, during the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) Seychelles Grand Prix competition held at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino.

Hosted under the umbrella of the IFBB by the Seychelles Elite Pro Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (SEPABFF) – the local legitimate affiliated body of the IFBB – the competition which was the first at this level to be hosted locally attracted athletes from Seychelles, Kazakhstan and Mauritius, with the latter flying in the biggest contingent of posers.

The competition with three pro-cards up for grabs was divided into 10 categories, precisely fit model, junior men’s physique 16-21 years old, men’s classic bodybuilding up to 180cm, men’s classic physique open, men’s physique up to 174cm, men’s physique over 174cm,men’s masters bodybuilding open, men’s bodybuilding up to 80kg, and men’s bodybuilding over 80kg.

Pro-card winner Larue who competed in the men’s physique up to 174cm, topped the group, finishing ahead of Mauritian Mathieu Legallant, before qualifying for the overall or final line-up where he was chosen as the best by the panel of IFBB judges over Derrick Mensah – a Ghanaian national living in Seychelles – who ranked first in the men’s physique over 174cm after defeating Seychellois Elicks Rapide who is still a junior.

The two other pro-cards were grabbed by Mauritians Jean Coomarasamy who was the only competitor in the men’s classic physique and Jimmy Raynald in bodybuilding.

To win the bodybuilding pro-card in thee overall final, Reynald had to surpass local poser Andy Anthony, who was the winner of the up to 80kg category.

Despite a solid performance by Anthony, it was clear to everyone present that Reynald had the upper hand in mostly all areas, enough to convince the judges to hand him his long-awaited card.

Seychelles was also being represented in the women’s fit model contest where Shireen Azemia came out second behind winner Inaa Sindeleeva of Kazakhstan.

In the men’s masters’ bodybuilding, the competition was between the Mauritian duo of Kamlesh Lochun (52 years old) and Michel Virginie (59 years old) with the former emerging as the winner.

Speaking to Sports NATION, Seychellois pro-card winner Larue said he was not expecting to win, especially after some hiccups encountered during his most recent competition.

He explained that to succeed in the sport, one will need all the support available, something which he said he benefitted from at all levels.

He thanked everyone who has been behind him, and most importantly the SEPABFF for bringing the competition and the opportunity locally, allowing him the chance to take part with minor logistic expenses.

Despite grabbing the pro-card, Larue said he will always fight for help and encourage younger athletes who take up the sport.

A very emotional Larue dedicated the achievement to his mother who has always supported him throughout his journey.

On behalf of the organisers, chairman of the SEPABFF Chantal Pinchon noted that they are very satisfied with the way things went, from the organisation to the level of competition, despite the lack of participation from local athletes.

She said it is a pity that local athletes failed to seize the opportunity brought before them to attempt a higher level in their career.

The final results of the first IFBB International Grand Prix Seychelles

Women’s fit model