The Tribune

NATASHA Newbold played a pivotal role in the sport of bodybuilding and powerlifting. She was a strong-minded individual who never felt that she would fail or not be able to finish a race.

Even in bodybuilding, she participated in the Novice Bodybuilding Championship in 1984 and showed off her slim, cut abdominals. Natasha demonstrated then that she had what it takes as a winner.

We have Dr Norman Gay and others who are well derserving of honour back in the 80s.

The most outstanding performance came from Tony Mortimer, who dominated the sport for decades. Tony set the pace for others to follow and also has to be commended for his outstanding performances.

During the split of the federation, Natasha decided to follow powerlifting which became the Bahamas Powerlifting Federation at that time, led by Rex Burnside for many years.

Natasha went on to the 1999 IPF 20th Women’s World Championship in Thisted, Denmark, where she placed fifth to represent the Bahamas along with Carla McIntosh, a long time and best working out friend.

In April 2000, Natasha went off to the IPF Pan-American Powerlifting Championships in Chicago, Illinois [USA] and placed second in her division to represent the Bahamas along with John Mills and Carla McIntosh.

I saw Natasha moving up the ranks in the sport of powerlifting and we had many moments together when I visited Wongs Gym. She would always tell me she was training to break records and that she did.

Natasha was driven by Keith Lunn, Arlington Clarke, Kevin Dames, Falcon Major and Kevin Woodside. These are the powerhouse names you really wanted to know if you wanted to become part of the champions who trained you well.

Keith Lunn was a motivator and strong coach who pushed Natasha and others to become what they are today.

Keith Lunn really pushed Natasha to win most of her competitions. He helped with techniques and making sure Natasha got her lifts on board.

If one would ask Kevin ‘One Ton’ Woodside where and how he got his name he would say Keith Lunn and Arlington Clarke. These guys pushed the sports to the next level.

I came on board late in 1994-95 and was able to learn the sport of powerlifting through these guys. Natasha was my biggest motivator. She would always say Bob you improve a lot, breaking records now and she would call me ‘Big Weights, Steel,’ words I would say motivated me when I was competing.

When I became the president of the Bahamas Powerlifting Federation in 2013, Natasha was the first person I contacted to be on my executive board.

She served as my general secretary and still has that position until she is laid to rest.

The Powerlifting Federation held an Honouree’s Banquet in 2013 to honour those outstanding powerlifters of all time and we inducted Natasha Newbold, Kevin Woodside, Bernard ‘Spinks’ Rolle and in the Powerlifting Hall of Fame.

The Federation named Rex Burnside as long lasting president, Dr Norman Guy as honourary president and Dr Richard Demeritte as patron.

Balwin Darling, Paul Wong and Tony Mortimer were also honoured.

I ask all to join in Natasha’s home-going service 10am this Saturday at Faith Temple on Prince Charles Drive. We expect to have a great service. Our heart goes out to her three daughters Torsheika, Torshia and Torsheba.