The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Athletic Physique Alliance (BAPA), headed by Joel Stubbs, congratulated Bahamian Natural Figure Pro Dekel Quant on her outstanding performance at the 2026 Ms Olympia Competition.

Quant placed 14th among the world’s elite Natural Figure athletes over the weekend at the Orleans Arena Las Vegas, Nevada on Friday night.

"Although Dekel did not secure a Top 10 placing this time around, BAPA considers her performance an important milestone in her professional journey," said Stubbs, who was the first Bahamian to compete at The Olympia in 2009 where he placed 15th in the men's bodybuilding competition.

"She brought an exceptional and significantly improved physique to the Olympia stage, and her overall presentation demonstrated the tremendous potential she possesses within the sport."

Stubbs, the former president of the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, noted that Quant's physique has the structure, development and potential to carry her very far in professional bodybuilding.

"With continued refinement and the right adjustments, we believe she has what it takes to challenge for a Top 6 placing or even better, top 3 when she receives her next opportunity on the Olympia stage," he said.

"But as every serious athlete knows, the work does not stop when the lights go out."

Stubbs said Quant's next phase will have to be one of evaluation, refinement and rebuilding.

"She will have the opportunity to engage with the judges and gain a better understanding of their evaluation of her presentation and physique," he stressed.

"She will also have to sit down with her coach to determine what areas may need to be tweaked or further developed."

Additionally, Stubbs said Quant will need to study the Olympia lineup carefully, review the stage videos, compare her presentation and physique against the athletes who placed ahead of her, and objectively assess where additional improvements can be made.

"Then, it's back to the drawing board or, as we like to say, back down in the trenches," he stressed. "This is where champions are developed: during the off-season, away from the bright lights and the applause, when the real work begins.

"Every detail matters!  I'm sure the objective will be to return in 2027 more polished, more complete, more conditioned and even more competitive. She has gotten her feet wet, and so it's time for her to enjoy the water fully."

Stubbs said the BAPA is extremely proud of Quant for representing the Bahamas on one of the biggest stages in professional bodybuilding.

"Fourteenth in the world at the Ms Olympia is an achievement worthy of recognition, and we look forward to seeing what she builds from this experience," he stated.

"We wish Dekel a productive, successful and rewarding off-season as she prepares for 2027. Congratulations, Dekel. The journey continues. The work continues. Get back in those trenches, make the necessary adjustments, and come back fierce, focused and most improved."