Athletes from Jersey are fine-tuning their muscles with just two weeks to go until the Channel Islands’ Wellness and Physique Competition returns to the Opera House stage.
More than 30 men and women from across the British Isles will be judged on their muscular size, symmetry and overall look at the event, which has been organised by Bodyrox gym in Liberty Wharf and is affiliated to the United Kingdom Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation. It takes place on Sunday 14 September.
It is the first time that the competition – which includes several classes, from bikini fitness to bodybuilding – has been held at the Opera House since 2019.
Two athletes who are taking to the stage for the first time are Liene Mallet, who is competing in the Bikini Fitness class, and 23-year-old Dylan Ford, who is entering the Classic Physique class.
Mental health nurse Liene is originally from Latvia and has been training for more than ten years.
“I have wanted to do this for ages, so I am very excited but also nervous,” she said.
Initially a kickboxer, Liene said that she prepared to train early in the morning and is preparing for the competition by counting calories and checking her weight.
“I train hard and often and really enjoy the gym; my friends and family are very supportive of what I’m doing.” she said.
23-year-old Dylan is originally from South Africa and works in the finance industry. He said that his dad is a former bodybuilder, and that had fuelled his passion for the gym, alongside playing rugby.
He said: “Balancing the demands of the competition with training has become very difficult in the run up, with managing my job, diets and training twice a day, but it’s taught me a lot – I’ve grown as a person and shown my resilience. I’ve really got tunnel vision at the moment.”
“Watching my body transform has kept me going. The mental challenge is the hardest: I’m pushing through, not quitting, and giving it my all. My younger brother has recently competed, he’s been through this before and has been my rock guiding me through it.”
Both Liene and Dylan have been helped in their preparation by Bodyrox owner Richard O’Connor and his partner Aneta Lemanowicz, and personal trainer Anita Othman, who is also helping to organise the competition.
She said: “There’s been a lot of work happening behind the scenes over the past 12 months to put on this show and the amazing Bodyrox team have all jumped in to help bring it all together.”
For the first time in the Island, there will be a ‘women’s fit model’ category, which involves athletes showing their physiques in a dress and one-piece swimsuit.
There will also be various junior classes for competitors as young as 16 years old and senior classes for athletes aged 50 and over. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.