More than 80 local, international and U.S. competitors take the stage at 2019 Far East Bodybuilding competition

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Story by Lance Cpl. Christopher Madero
Marine Corps Installations Pacific

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – The curtains opened - families, friends, and fans erupted in excitement as 82 bodybuilders in peak physical condition emerged onstage from the thick fog and colorful strobe lights. People of all ages and walks of life entered the competition, and displayed their hard-earned physiques to the audience. Participants attempted to surpass one another in order to not only stand out to the judges, but give the crowd just a glimpse of what was to come.

Status of Forces Agreement Personnel and participants from around the world competed in the 2019 Far East Bodybuilding Competition, August 4 on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan.

The competition was split up into five different divisions; Men’s Physique, Men’s Bodybuilding, Women’s Physique, Women’s Figure, and Women’s Bikini. Women’s Bikini was the newest addition into the Far East Bodybuilding Competition.

When the competitors were called upon, they were evaluated on various components based on the segment they were competing in. Symmetry, muscle tone, poise, presentation, and many other key factors lead to the victory of extraordinary individuals.

“I am very excited and very motivated,” said Gunnery Sgt. Prince A. Covington Jr., an avid bodybuilder and postal chief with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. “It’s great networking and is also awesome to see a bunch of individuals who worked hard for this day.”

Covington, like many other competitors in this event, put in many hours of hard work and dedication. It not only pushes physical boundaries, but mental boundaries as well. Sleep, comfort, and time with family are sacrificed to achieve the desired physical condition for the event.

 “I just want to say thank you to my wife and my three beautiful children - “Daddy” was selfish - I had to be,” Covington said. “They’ve been in the background for a little bit, but they still support me and will be here. I’m looking forward to showing them that I did not waste their time.”

Marine Corps Community Service (MCCS) encourages people of all experience levels to come and take the stage.

“There are no qualifying events that you have to compete in to do this,” said Mikala Cerda, a MCCS Adult Sports Coordinator. “Whether this is something you train for everyday or you decide last minute on Friday you want to sign up for this event, anyone can do it.”

MCCS is a comprehensive set of programs that support and enhance the operational readiness, war fighting capabilities, and life quality of Marines, their families, retirees and civilians.

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