MARIGOT—Bodybuilding and Fitness Association of St. Martin (BFASM)’s Team St. Martin did not make it to the finals of the 3rd Annual World Fitness Championships held in Biarritz, France, over the past weekend but made sure to leave an imprint of St. Martin for the world to remember.
“This championship was one of the most challenging we have ever contested with the most experienced athletes from all over the world,” commented BFASM President François Carty.
“We were up against some 53 countries and 310 of world’s best athletes from the most powerful countries in the world of sport such as Russia, France, Italy, Germany, Slovakia, Canada, China, Japan, South Africa, Poland, Ukraine, and the Netherlands to name a few.
“But that did not deter our St. Martin athletes from standing tall like true champions on stage. Top bikini athlete Josephine Elvina Matthew was competing with 25 competitors in her category and Women's Physique Champion Karine Cyrille had 14 in her category.
“When walking through the halls of the venue St. Martin’s name was echoing from the lips of officials, coaches and athletes, talking about how good our athletes’ physiques were,” Carty added. “The highlight was when International Federation of Body Building (IFBB) President Dr. Rafael Santonja came over and gave us some words of encouragement. He said he is looking forward to seeing us at the next event and in the finals and made sure that we were present at the Gala that night.”
Carty said this event has “opened doors” for St. Martin.
“We are a part of the world’s top athletes, but this would not have been possible without the support of our athletes, Collectivité of St. Martin (1st Vice-President Valérie Damaseau ), J.C'S Gym the home of our athletes, I Love SXM and our supporters. It’s always a pleasure and honour to represent our country St. Martin and promote it through sport. This will not be the last of our presence at these events. The 2018 calendar is out, and we are ready to continue our journey,” Carty concluded.
