It will be about muscles as physique at the Samoa Bodybuilding National Championships on Wednesday at the Orator Hotel with Mai Gym fielding 12 bodybuilders.

Competition is going to be tough and all athletes know they will have to be at their very best if they want to claim victory.

Team manager Teuila Keil said the athletes from Mai Gym are going to be showing off the hours of dedicated work they have put in.

She said bodybuilding requires discipline.

"I didn’t realise that the Mai Gym team would end up being this big. It’s a sign that there is a need to guide young athletes who are eager to get into the sport," she said. 

"I think bodybuilding is one of the best sports that young people can get into because it is safe, the nutrition and discipline provide life-long skills and encourage a positive mindset that can last a lifetime."

The team is being helped by Fijian bodybuilder Patricia Mallam. She said the large interest from Mai Gym shows that there is a future for the sport.

"As a bodybuilder myself, it has been an honour to support the Mai Gym team and watch them improve day by day. Seeing the changes in their physique, their posing and overall self-confidence is rewarding because it cultivates a community of athletes in a minority sport like bodybuilding," she said.

Jeter Jefferey Hunter, Calvin Julius Fiu, Mahonry Collins, Dennis Lui, Corey Stephen Keil, Tasimaisaua Va'ai-Ah Him (female), Iusi Junior Solia, Mathew Maiava, Neilchan Pagia, Ulafala Viliamu, Nethaniah Chris, and Steve Tafia will fly the Mai Gym flag at the competition on Wednesday.

At the 2023 Pacific Games, Samoan bodybuilders collected a total of seven medals with Sauaso Rose Matautia winning two gold in the women's category and overall for bodybuilding. Lafaele Aukuso also claimed two gold medals and was named Mr. Pacific in the men's category. John Lemoa won a silver medal, Jeremy Vaepule claimed a bronze medal and Petelo Leota also won a bronze medal in bodybuilding.