2010 INBF Hercules Championships
Saturday 26th June - New York, NY
The Excitement!
Well folks, I have to say that I left this event revved up! Inspired, motivated, stimulated! I was on an high not because it was held by the federation that I belong to, (I attend NYC competitions regardless of the host federation) but because you could feel the excitement in the audience. It was so thick you could cut it with a knife! NYC competitions are far and few between, so when people come out to watch, they are anxious to see who is who, and what they bring to the table. The audience was energetic and the competitors were as I like to put it …TIGHT!!!
I took along KB, a young woman who is considering competing. It’s important for her to attend a few competitions to fully understand what she’s getting herself into and the seriousness of it all.
Mind Over Matter!
Although there are criteria in place, along with rules and regulations, which dictate how competitors are judged, we realize that "Physique Competition" (Bodybuilding, Figure, Swim, and Fitness) is in large part, a subjective sport. In an effort to [buffer] this fact, we often tell ourselves and each other, not to take competing too seriously; however, the days leading up to an event and the day of, are entirely too taxing and anxiety ridden to be taken lightly. Regardless of an athletes’ chiseled exterior, flawless hair and make-up, and or athletic prowess; on the day of a competition, we are experiencing every emotion known to man, as we prepare to step on stage. The key is not to show it!
A little fan-fair!
During one segment of the men’s bodybuilding, KB and I began routing for competitor #4, a tall, very shredded bodybuilder; very polished and poised. I did not know him, but in my humble opinion; he had what it took to place high, and I wanted the judges to know this. However, the only way for a spectator to get this message across is to yell the competitor’s number. I sensed an initial confusion coming from competitor #4 as he possibly asked himself: Who are these women? Why are they cheering me on? This is unreal! In addition, I was sure I sensed his confusion transition to appreciation, and then to confidence. He began smiling from ear-to-ear as he perfected his posing for the audience (and the two women yelling out his number). It’s quite amazing how a little support can go a long, long way, in encouraging a competitor to square his shoulders, raise his chest and stand tall! ~SG.
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Jonathan Hunt, 'Overall' Hercules Winner
Photo: Norbert Torriente
2010 Hercules Championships Results
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KB and Me! Sharetta Bowden and Me!