‘For My Fallen Bodybuilding Mate’

Mr Fiji 2020, Inoke Ligairi, had dedicated his fifth title to his late friend and Mr South Pacific 2018, Jekesoni Yanuyanudrua.

The 41-year-old was crowned Mr Fiji on Saturday night during the National Bodybuilding Championship at the Suva Civic Centre on Saturday night.

Ligairi, who is also known as Predator, proved that he was the best of the eight competitors.

He indicated that competing with the late Yanuyanudrua, pushed him to do his best whenever he was on stage.

“This is for the late Jack Yanuyanudrua, who passed away last year,” the Raviravi, Macuata, native said. “He was always challenging me, for many years we competed together, I think he brought the best of me, every year. Without him, I would not have been where I am today.

“He was such a great and a humble human being and I was fortunate enough to compete alongside him. “And he was always pushing me to do my best every time I’m on stage. So this win is for him,” Ligairi added.

And despite the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down gyms earlier this year, Ligairi was happy to come back with the win.

“It’s been a tough year 2020, I was supposed to compete in overseas in March and then the lockdown happened. I plan to compete again next year if things open up, so training continues and the lifestyle continues so it never ends,” he said.

Ligairi said that the Fiji Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation athletes had developed through the years and competition was getting tougher as well.

“Every time we get on the stage it gets better. And I think at the end of the day Fiji Bodybuilding benefits a lot because everyone gets better every time.

“The sport is growing a lot, in terms of condition we bring it on stage.

“The athletes are learning, they know how to prep, how to diet and to compete. And this shows the amount of competition, Fiji Bodybuilding is growing every day. For now, we are just going to continue competing locally.”

Feedback:  sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj