In 1988, NPC created the Armed Forces National Championships, a competition open only to amateur athletes who are active members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans who have served, or immediate family members of those who have defended our freedom .
34 years later the tradition continued and the 2022 edition was perhaps the most successful yet. The Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, VA hosted the event on October 1st and it was attended by many fans, followed by livestream from more at home and enjoyed by all involved.
Courtesy of NPC
The Honorable Rob Wilkins is M&F's Military Editor, a member of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and a 26-year Air Force veteran. Wilkins was present at the competition and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of co-promoters Gary Udit, Tony Roberts, Viktoria Grygorian Roberts and Rick Bayardi. The participation of the athletes did not go unnoticed either.
"After months of training, dieting and posing, competitors from all branches of the ministry and from all parts of the world come together focused on showing the best physique possible and winning a trophy."
The United States Color Guard opened the event by presenting the colors on stage while the national anthem was performed. Each athlete who competed was introduced by name and type of serve and presented with ceremonial dog tags and a challenge token. Dog tags are commonly associated with the military, and it made sense to showcase these to competitors.
Challenge Coins are not as well known, but they are still very significant. Challenge Coins are used to identify other members of the Armed Forces and as a symbol of solidarity. The coin is passed from one person to another in the form of a standing handshake. Traditionally, the bearer tells the recipient why he or she is receiving the coin.
The ceremony and recognition herald the finale, and there was a strong sense of patriotism in the building. Then the action began. After all, this is a competition. The finals for this competition have been combined with the finals of the NPC Battle Royale, which is another competition taking place on the same day. The winners of each division and class are qualified to compete at the NPC National level, which is just one step up from the IFBB Pro League. There were also several IFBB pros in the building, such as two-time Men's Physique Olympia competitor Charjo Grant and Women's Physique Pro Rachelle Cannon. Distinguished members of the armed forces were also present.
What was remarkable about the competitions was the wide range of athletes. There were Americans who had served in various branches of the military of every race, creed, and religion, all enjoying one another's company, helping one another prepare, and showing sportsmanship in victory and defeat. As different as they may have been, the common theme among them, young and old, was that they were heroes who understood and valued the dedication that was brought to service.
"As military personnel/dependents, they are still willing to help a competitor in need," Wilkins explained. “Whether it's sharing food, water, posing tips or a phone charger, the camaraderie backstage is incredible. While not every contestant won a first place trophy, they all leave as winners with new friends and an experience that will bond them for the rest of their lives.”
Udit expressed that the contestants who took the stage were clearly presenting their best versions of themselves, which he appreciated.
“The NPC Armed Forces Nationals was once again a fantastic event! The quality of the athletes in all divisions continues to improve.”
All athletes performed well and some of them were even crowned champions for 2022. The winners of each age group and division are listed below.
Courtesy of NPC
Division and age group winners
men bodybuilding
- Total Zach Keefer
- Champion 50+ Perry Wooten
- Champion 40+ Ayo Lewis
- Champion 35+ Derek Cundiff
- vice Derek Cundiff
- Open lightweight Nicholas Moskowitz
- Open Welterweight Justin Bovenschen
- Open middleweight Xavier Wells
- Open light heavyweight Zach Keefer
- Open heavyweight Derek Cundiff
- Open Super Heavyweight Joe Ritchie
- Classic physique for men
- Overall Jordan Hammond
- Champion 50+ David Fallon
- Champion 40+ David Fallon
- vice Jordan Hammond
- Open Class B Jordan Hammond
- Open Class C Patrick Amegashie
physique of men
- Total Jason Raines
- Master 40+ Jason Raines
- Champion 35+ Frankie Richardson
- vice Jason Raines
- Open Class A Mark Guevera
- Open Class B Edward Taylor
- Open Class C Jason Raines
woman figure
- Total Diamond Taylor
- vice Chyanne Thomas
- Open Class A Ashley Blackmer
- Open Class C Diamond Taylor
- Women's bikini
- Total Heather Verderosa
men bodybuilding
- Master 40+ Antrinia Cardona
- Master 35+ Antrinia Cardone
- vice Heather Verderosa
- Open Class A Monica Gupta
- Open Class B Christa Luna
- Open Class C Heather Verderosa
wellbeing
- Total Amanda brand
- Master 40+ Chinkie Abad
- vice Chinkie Abad
- Open Class A Amanda Brand
If you would like to see a replay of the streams, you can do so at GaryUdit.com/streams. Udit also invites new participants and anyone else interested in being part of such a patriotic and special event.
"We look forward to the 2023 event on vember 17-18 at the Alexandria Hilton Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia." For more information, visit www.garyudit.com and follow @npc_armedforces_battleroyale on Instagram
