There are many major bodybuilding competitions that are very important. Examples are Olympics (obviously), Arnold Classic, and Pro Qualifiers like the USA Championships and NPC Nationals. One competition that provided that year's special moment is the 2021 NPC Armed Forces National Championships.
The 2021 edition of this NPC show took place at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Virginia. The competition is only open to active and retired members of the U.S. Forces and their immediate family members. Promoter Tony Roberts has a deep connection with this show - not only because he is taking the helm, but also because he was a competitor of the show himself.
“I served in the military for 20 years. I started bodybuilding when I was in the army, "said Roberts. “I can relate to having an active military career trying to diet, exercise, and still meet your military obligations. It's a balancing act. So for me it comes full circle. I used to take part on this stage, I did the armed forces championships and now I'm the promoter. That's great."
Roberts, along with longtime NPC promoters Gary Udit and Rick Bayardi, has made it a priority to show appreciation and appreciation to everyone in the building with ties to the armed forces. The show will feature the national anthem and a color show by members of the U.S. Color Guard opened. Each participant received a Challenge Coin from Roberts on stage, which was delivered using the time-honored traditional method - a handshake with the coin in the hand of the presenter.
Two special awards were also given on stage during the show. The Honorable Rob Wilkins has been recognized for both military service and fitness. In addition to his 26 years as a member of the U.S. Air Force, he is also a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
Another special guest honored was the US Navy Seal and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy, the star of the Disney Plus show "Under the Stars". He has been recognized for his commitment on both fronts. Even the announcer, Tim Wilkins (unrelated to Rob), had multiple connections with this show. He is a retired Marine, himself a contestant, and the father of one of the contestants, Kami Wilkins in the bikini division.
Between the preliminary assessment and the final of the competition, the audience was treated to a performance by the guest poser, US Army member and 2017 Arnold Classic Champion Cedric McMillan. McMillan also addressed the crowd, showing appreciation for those on duty as well as their families for their support.
The athletes and camaraderie
While the events during the show illustrate the importance of service to the country, the main draw is the athletes themselves. When you see them behind the scenes, there has been no conflict, distancing or intense debate over disagreement. Participants helped each other with tanning and oiling, shared inflation equipment and even offered phone chargers so their phones could be used for videos and pictures. All competitors in each division supported each other in victory and defeat. This was not just another competition on the program for them, they presented the best of themselves to the jury and the audience live and in the webstream.
Winner of the NPC Armed Forces National Championship 2021
Jeff Binns
The 2021 NPC Armed Forces National Championship participants who graced the stage took part in Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Women’s Bodybuilding, Women’s Physique, Figure, Bikini and Wellness. Some competitors took part in several shows. The winners are listed below. All champions will move to NPC Nationals 2021 for their opportunities to earn their IFBB Pro League tickets.
Bodybuilding for men
- Zach Keefer - overall, middleweight
- Pascal Gregory - Heavyweight, 50+, 40+
- Michael Weber - lightweight
- Dennis Shulman - welterweight
- Benjamin Rolden - lightweight
Classic physique
- Patrick Amegashie - Overall Class C
- Benjamin Cardonne - Class A
- Joshua Gibbs - Classic Build Class B
Men's physique
- William Ransom - Overall Class A.
- Christyan Villejoint - Class B
- Thomas Wimsatt - Class C, 40+
- rman Major - 50+
Women bodybuilding / women physique
- Jordyn James - Bodybuilding Overall for Women
- Erin Reilly Hawkins - Women's Bodybuilding Masters 40+. Women & # 39; s Physique Overall, Women & # 39; s Physique Open Class A, Women & # 39; s Physique Over 40
Illustration
- Jayleen Pagan - Overall Class A
- Sherille Butler - Class C
bikini
- Caroline Jones - overall class A.
- Gevenny Gamboa - bikini class B
- Erin Wright - Class C
- Kristi Kipp - Master 40+
Wellness
- Vanessa Hernandez - Overall Class A.
- Tanaychea Grier, Class B
Courtesy of NPC / garyudit.com
Back next year
The 2022 NPC Armed Forces Nationals will take place on the weekend of vember 18-19, and according to all reports, fans who have been there will be returning next year. For those who have not yet competed in the NPC Armed Forces National Championships, it's a special one that should be added to the bodybuilding calendar. In addition to supporting athletes, fans also support those who have given so much to their country and the people who live in it. As Roberts explained, the mere presence is a sign of support that everyone involved would appreciate.
“We know what family members have to do to support them, and sometimes they don't get what they're due. They deserve that we put the athletes themselves in the spotlight. My thing is (to see the show) is a small price to pay for the men and women who have given so much to this country. "
