Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness championship standout Dekel Nesbitt was the sole Bahamian competitor at the legendary International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio this week.

On Thursday, Nesbitt competed in the women's bodyfitness (Figure D) division and managed to advance through the final 15 cut before being eliminated in the final 10 cut. Despite not making it to the final round, Nesbitt took to Facebook to express her appreciation for her supporters in The Bahamas and the opportunity to compete against some of the best in the sport.

"Just being able to make top 15 at my first Arnold Classic is a huge deal to me," she said. "To be able to hold my own against some amazing physiques and amazing personalities from all around the world is a prize within its own.

"Thank to everyone who sent love and blessings my way over the past few months. To my sponsors, Nesbitt Rentals, Fitness Connection Bahamas and FOCOL, thanks so much for believing in me. This journey is another milestone in my bodybuilding career and I'm so happy I could share it with such amazing people."

The Arnold Sports Festival is an annual multi-sport event of men's professional bodybuilding, as well as separate strongman, physique, fitness, figure, and bikini weekend expo.

Nesbitt won the open figure C class body fitness title at the CAC championships held at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in September.

Prior to CAC, she won the C class fitness title at the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation National Championships in August. She also finished third at the 2015 National Physique Committee's (NPC) Southern States Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in July.

Nesbitt, who works as a personal trainer and health coach, has been training for eight years and has a large social media following with her "Bowflex Barbie" fitness page totaling more than 8,000 followers.

By Randy Smith

Guardian Sports

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