The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER missing the trip to the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in August, Andrew Gibson Jr competed in a National Physique Committee (NPC) First Callout National Bodybuilding Qualifier on Saturday in Coral Springs, Florida.

In making his international debut, Gibson Jr returned home on Sunday with a pair of third-place finishes in the Men’s Classic Physique True Novice for first time competitors and in the Men’s Classic Physique Open - Division B for competitors between 5-feet, 7-inches and 5-10.

“I am very, very proud,” said Gibson Jr of the competition that took place at the Marriott Coral Springs Hotel.

“It was very exciting and overall, it was an amazing experience.”

From the time that he arrived until his departure, Gibson Jr said that the entire experience was one that he intends to cherish as he continues to venture into the sport.

“It was the perfect start for me to get my feet wet in the sport,” Gibson Jr said.

As he critiqued his performance, Gibson Jr said he and his coach Wellington Wallace will have a few minor adjustments to make when he gets back to training at the Gains For Life Fitness on Soldier Road, headed by Lorraine LaFleur and Jason Johnson.

“My overall conditioning was very good,” pointed out Gibson Jr, who won’t compete again until next year. “I just need to add a little more size to my physique and work a little more on my posing.”

Gibson Jr had made the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s seven-member national team that competed at the CAC Championships in San Salvador, El Salvador.

However, he wasn’t able to make the trip because of a visa issue.

“I did better than I could imagine. I don’t know what the outcome would have been had I gone to CAC because that was a different level of competition,” he reflected.

“But I was in my best condition and so I did the best that I could in this show. I’m looking forward to celebrating with my friends before I get back into training for next year.”

The 33-year-old only got started in the sport in January, 2021, but after getting off to such a start, he’s looking forward to eventually earning his professional card.