Sabers excel in bodybuilding championship

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Three Saber bodybuilders led the pack at the 2007 Army Invitational Bodybuilding Championship at Wiesbaden Army Garrison, Germany July 7. All three won their respective weight classes with one Saber taking the Overall Champion trophy home.

"Although a small competition, some of the toughest in Europe showed up," said Troy Saunders, competitive body builder from the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron. "Each contender had their own strengthens, so it came down to the athletes with the best overall combination of muscle size, definition and symmetry."

Justin Usery, 52nd Security Forces Squadron, captured the middleweight category with is size and proportion placing him over the top in his class. Anthony Anderson, 52nd LRS, won the heavyweight category in his first ever competition. In this 50th show Saunders, a veteran competitor, seized the light-heavyweight category title.

The Overall Champion competition pitted winners from each category against one another. Each contender had their own strengths, so it came down to the athlete with the best overall package of muscle size, definition and symmetry. As the dust settled, only one was left standing, at age 38, the oldest competitor of the show, Saunders, came out on top.

Competition newcomer Anderson, a personal trainer decided to enter the contest to prove his methods.

"Mentally, I just had to make a conscience decision that I was going to do it," he said. "From that point you have to stay true to your goal and, more importantly, to yourself. Physically, I had to increase the intensity of my workouts and step up the cardio to about an hour and half, five times a week. I only had a week and a half to prepare using the three D's. First you 'discipline' yourself to get in there and start. Then you begin 'desiring' to do it more and more. Finally, you find yourself 'delighting' in it, and then it is fun and not a chore."

This 50th show milestone for Saunders highlighted his experience and hard work.

"I can't believe I have been competing so long, let alone still winning," he said. "On the other hand, it is far easier to step on the stage for the 50th time than for the first. I no long have the same level of trepidation of stepping out on stage. Now I have a chance to enjoy the opportunity to perform and entertain the crowd.

"Although I have several class wins in my bodybuilding career, this was my third overall trophy in 50 tires at getting on stage," he said. "It is an honor to know that the judges have chosen me over the rest of these very excellent athletes."

Competition experiences also benefited Usery.

"Airman Usery placed 11th at the 2006 Mr. Universe competition, and this experience showed when at the end of the show he also earned the coveted Best Poser Award," Saunders said. "This was a testament to his hard work and dedication as well as his superior size for him to take top honors in the class."

These three body builders all are preparing for future competitions. Anderson plans to build on his first experience to continue his success.

"What I took away from this event in three words was, increase in confidence," he said. "As far as future competitions I will just start preparing earlier in the season."

The US Forces Europe Bodybuilding Championships takes place Sept. 15, in Grafenwuehr, Germany. At least seven male and three females athletes from Spangdahlem AB are registered to compete in this event, where athletes will be drug tested for performance enhancing drugs.

For those interested in becoming involved in body building, Saunders has this advice to share.

"I recommend talking to those people who have competed on stage," he said. "The dedication and discipline it takes to get on stage is tremendous, and the knowledge gained cannot be found anywhere else. The advice an experienced, competitive athlete, in any field, can offer is priceless and the motivation they share is contagious. It may be just what someone needs to help get them motivated."