Local bodybuilders shine at national competition

With guidance from a new coach this year, Nielsen wanted to beat the physique she accomplished last year.

(Image Credit: Submitted photo.)

Last weekend’s event in Saskatoon featured 150 athletes from all over Canada.

Prince Albert’s Alex Janvier won gold in three separate men’s divisions, and at the age of 56 said he is now focused on helping others.

“I want to motivate and inspire people and to promote health and fitness here at Prince Albert,” he said, noting he was especially proud of his client Maribel Uligan, who competed in her first event and was named first runner-up in the fit model 40 plus master category.

“I’m happy for her hard work, patience, and dedication throughout the process,” he said.

Maribel and Alex. (Image Credit: Submitted/ Alex Janvier)

The competition marked Prince Albert’s Matthew Fafard’s first time on stage, and the 19-year-old finished third in classic physique and fourth in men’s bodybuilding natural.

“I signed up in like February and I lost about 110 pounds in seven months in order to get in good shape for the show. So that in itself was very challenging, but everyone backstage was very supportive and nobody was really like competitive against each other. It was more like we’re all doing this together,” he said.

When asked what inspired him to compete, Fafard explained he has always wanted to be a bodybuilder and after seeing a bunch of other people doing it, figured the time was right to give it a shot.

“So I went for it and it was also more of a way to prove to myself that I was capable of doing something that I’ve been wanting to do since grade 10.”

Matt Fafard shows off hid chisselled back. (Image Credit: Submitted/ Matt Fafard)

Jessie Funk from Nipawin finished second in her masters division, which was a step up from when she made her debut last year and finished third in the open.

“I put my mind to doing this competition and staying disciplined, and I feel like it was 100 times better than last year because last year I didn’t have God in my life,” she said.

Funk is now turning her attention to another regional competition in Ontario where she hopes to finish top three and punch a ticket to Nationals. Funk also credited her husband, who was not only her coach but also coached Marya Nielsen.

“He’s just such a good trainer, and he puts all his heart into helping us grow and manage whatever we are going through,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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by Nigel Maxwell

Local bodybuilders shine at national competition

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