A Cop and Bodybuilder

By Ulimasao Fata 22 February 2018, 12:00AM

Sometimes we’ve got to be thankful for the hard times.

This is the belief of a Police Officer and bodybuilder, Lome Lome.

Constable Lome recently competed in the Mr. American Samoa Sau Ia Bodybuilding competition last weekend where he claimed second place and teammate, Peniamina Matale-Fili, snatching the first prize.

He is the son of Doris Lome and the late Faresa Lome of Lauli’i and Luatuanu’u.

Last week was his first bodybuilding competition.

Constable Lome said he never dreamt of his achievement, but his success story comes after trying to overcome one of the difficult stages in his life.

“Bodybuilding was all new to me. I remembered I got in the Force back in 2011 when rugby was my passion until I got injured.

“I had a thought in mind that this will be where the road ends for me because rugby is a sport that most people in our country enjoy watching.

“I was really big and I still joined the Force and participated in the training and fitness programs.

“That was a challenge for me because before I even joined I heard stories that there were many unfit Police Officers, but I believe there is a chance for a policeman to become physically fit and muscular.”

Constable Lome mentioned he stopped playing and work got so busy that made it really hard for him to train.

“That continued on for a while, until it was time I knew that I had to do something, and this was in 2014. In that time I was 115kg, I was really big.

“The other problem is the limited time since there was much work that was needed to be done, but I still tried to become a muscular person.

“Then in 2014 I joined in a different program called the A.F.B. which deals with fitness, the Ministry of One Touch where Pastor Leni and the team helped me with my diet.”

Later on, Constable Lome’s father passed away from a heart attack, he had also suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure because of his weight, Lome said.

Lome also mentioned after his father passed away, his blood pressure increased as well and that was when he convinced himself to change.

“The doctors tested my blood level and they said I had high blood pressure.

“I walked out of the hospital that day and I told myself that I will be able to become a bodybuilder and get rid of my current big body at the time.

“I then joined the judo and started to build up my fitness.

“I trained in Mai Gym under Benjamin and they were the people who helped me shape my body and then Ben asked me if I wanted to join in the bodybuilding, this was in 2016, but I said since I was trying to work on my body first.” Lome said he hopes his achievement is an inspiration to those aspiring to be bodybuilders.

He added he was grateful to God for his achievement and he looks forward to inviting people in the Force to join and get transformed.

“I cried and thanked the Lord because in my quiet time with him, I promised him that I could transform my body into someone better.

“I want to continue on and I do not want to hear people saying that the policemen in Samoa are big. There is a chance that some policemen could become fit, it is not just me there are some other people out there who can do it as well.” Lome’s achievement was also acknowledged by a statement issued by the Ministry of Police this week.

“As second overall winner, this is a very positive result for Samoa, but also for the Samoa Police Service. Bodybuilding is a sports competition that requires the ability to undergo special diet and dedication, commitment and passion to carry out strenuous physical training programs. He is the second police officer to represent Samoa and is following in the footsteps of another officer Constable Richard Stowers.

“S.P.S. is proud of our officers’ achievements in not only showcasing the physique of our Samoan men, but also promoting our organisation. We hope to share our achievement with all of Samoa.

“Once again congratulations to Constable Lome Lome,” the statement said.

By Ulimasao Fata 22 February 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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