The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

btubbs@tribuneemedia.net

THE Bahamas Bodybuilding, Wellness & Fitness Federation (BBWFF) returned home from the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships in Guatemala with eight medals, including a gold, two silver and five bronze.

Andros' Shauntae Rahming, a 17-year-old freshman at the University of the Bahamas, led the way for Team Bahamas, winning the women’s fitness open, placing second in the junior bikini and sixth in the women’s fitness model open.

George Wilson was second in the men’s fit model and fourth in the open men’s physique, Rashad Moss-Cunningham was third in the men’s fitness, sixth in the men’s fitness challenge and sixth in the open men’s bodybuilding.

Nathario Balliou was third in the open men’s bodybuilding lightweight and fifth in the junior men's bodybuilding and Tylah Pratt was third in the junior women’s bikini, sixth in the women’s bikini open tall class and seventh in the fitness model and Tove McDonald was fourth in the women’s fitness challenge (silver level).

Also, Judah Forbes was fourth in the open men’s physique tall class, Orick Nesbitt was fifth in the open men’s bodybuilding super heavyweight, Elgin Gibson was fifth in the men’s fitness challenge and men’s physique tall class and Khiry Deal was fourth in the men's physique, fifth in the fitness model and sixth in the open men’s physique tall class.

BBWFF president Wellington “Cat” Sears lauded the competitors for their performances. "Several of our athletes also finished in fourth place, narrowly missing the podium by only a few points," Sears said.

"These performances demonstrate just how competitive our athletes have become at the regional and international level."

If there's one thing he had to say about the programme is the fact that it's growing."

Sears noted that one of the most encouraging aspects of this year's competition was the continued growth of our development programmes.

"At last year's CAC Championships, The Bahamas had one junior competitor. This year, we proudly had four junior competitors, demonstrating that our junior development programme is working and that the future of Bahamian bodybuilding and fitness is bright.

"We also saw tremendous growth in our bodybuilding division. Last year, we had one bodybuilder representing The Bahamas. This year, we had four bodybuilders competing."

In the Fit Challenge category, Sears said they also increased their representation from last year when they only had one male competitor but, this time around, they had two male competitors and one female competitor.

Making history for The

Bahamas

This year's championship also produced several historic firsts.

Tove McDonald of the Southern Bahamas Association made history as the first Bahamian female competitor to enter the Fit Challenge category at this level.

McDonald not only competed but also played an important role offstage as a guardian and assistant coach for the female athletes, demonstrating her commitment to the development and success of Team Bahamas.

"All of our female competitors this year came from the Southern Bahamas Association in North Andros, showing the tremendous potential and talent emerging from the Family Islands," Sears said. 

"The Northern Bahamas was also represented by veteran bodybuilder Mr Orick Nesbitt, whose experience and dedication continue to contribute to the growth of the sport in our country." New international judge Another significant achievement for the federation was the international judging debut of Hendrick Sands, who judged his first international competition at the CAC Championships.

Sands also serves as the Information Technology (IT) representative for the BBWFF. "The federation is extremely proud to see our members developing not only as athletes but also as officials and administrators who can represent The Bahamas internationally," Sears said.

Building for the future

The progress made from last year to this year is a clear indication that the BBWFF's development programmes are producing results.

From increased junior participation to greater representation in bodybuilding and fit challenge to the development of international judges and officials, the federation is committed to creating opportunities for Bahamians to compete, develop and excel.

"We are especially proud of the athletes who stepped onto the international stage for the first time, as well as our veterans who continue to lead by example," Sears said.

"We also acknowledge one of our top athletes who was unable to travel with the team because he and his wife were preparing to welcome a new baby into their family. While we missed having him with Team Bahamas, we congratulate him and his family on this important and joyous occasion."

Financial challenges

and nationals

Representing The Bahamas internationally requires significant financial resources. The federation had to carefully manage its finances to ensure that Team Bahamas could travel to Guatemala and represent our country with the dignity and pride expected of our national team.

"The federation is still awaiting outstanding funds from the Ministry of Sports, and this has contributed significantly to the financial challenges facing the organisation," Sears said. "As a result, the federation was forced to postpone the 2026 Bahamas Nationals."

However, Sears said the BBWFF is currently working toward establishing a new date of November 21 being considered as a possible date for the nationals.

An official confirmation will be announced once all arrangements have been finalised.

Thank you, Team Bahamas

"On behalf of the Bahamas Bodybuilding, Wellness & Fitness Federation, we extend our deepest congratulations to every athlete, coach, manager, executive, judge, supporter, sponsor, family member, and volunteer who contributed to the success of Team Bahamas," Sears said.

"Every medal, every place, every close fourth-place finish, and every athlete who stepped on that stage represents another step forward for Bahamian bodybuilding, wellness, and fitness."

Sears noted that the BBWFF is "building, growing and creating opportunities for the next generation."

He added that The Bahamas has talented athletes and a future in bodybuilding, wellness and fitness.

"The BBWFF remains committed to developing our athletes, strengthening our programmes, expanding opportunities throughout the Family Islands, and proudly representing The Bahamas on the international stage."