Bodybuilding team set to take on Championship stage

By Adel Fruean 04 November 2018, 12:00AM

The Bodybuilding Federation of Samoa (B.B.F.S.) has sent a team to participate in the South Pacific Bodybuilding Championship in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Coordinated by the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (I.F.B.B.), the tournament will be held on November 3.

Samoa was represented by Johnny Afoa last year, who went on to compete in the Mr. World in Spain in the same year.

This year, team Samoa is led by Johannes Keil of Joes Gym taking two local athletes, the current Mr. Samoa 2017, John Lemoa and current Mr. American Samoa 2018, Peniamina Petaia Matale.

John said it is his first international competition and he is confident and satisfied with all his preparations. 

“It has been a tough eight weeks with non-stop trainings but it’s all worth it in the end,” he said. 

“My main aim is to win that title for Samoa and to achieve that would be bigger than my own dreams but also most importantly it would convey a message of inspiration for our local boys that they can also go out and achieve great things no matter their situations whether they are from a small island in the Pacific.

“The key is to work hard through commitment and dedication in order to last in this profession.”

Peniamina said it has not been an easy eight weeks of training and preparations.

“The struggle is real when you have to control your eating habit, which is why your mindset is really important in controlling what your body does,” he said. 

“All this hard work I am putting myself under is dedicated to my parents because they are my number one supporters.

“But with bodybuilding, the main focus is all about having a healthy body and I intend on pursuing it in the future.”

President of the B.F.S., Romulus Leung Wai expressed his excitement because it has been a long time since Samoa had a solid team, and the tournament also exposes local talents on the international stage. 

“Our executive committee is very excited and proud of this achievement in which we look to keep building our sport not only within Samoa but through the Pacific,” Romulus said. 

“Our message is to not only promote other platforms in the sporting arena so local talents can succeed in, but to give something back to our athletes so they can be proud of while promoting a healthy lifestyle and become ambassadors within their communities and homes. 

“This is the same philosophy my father followed, the late Tapasu Leung Wai, who was the founder of the federation in the early 90s,” Romulus said.

Romulus added they also hope to encourage more women to join and shine in this sport because last year they had a great reception and hoped to continue this in ensuring female competitors are strong role models.

By Adel Fruean 04 November 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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