John Lemoa is the new Mr. Samoa

By Ulimasao Fata 28 November 2017, 12:00AM

Baby steps they might be but bodybuilding as a sport is back in Samoa in a big way. And with a striking hot new Mr. Samoa in John Lemoa to boot, bodybuilding is here to stay.

On Saturday night at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, a capacity audience witnessed the Bodybuilding Federation of Samoa’s (B.B.F.S.) first official competition in 2017.

Driven by the hardworking President of the Federation, Benjamin Tamanikaiyaroi, Vice President, Romulus Leung Wai, and their supporters, the evening was a great success.

The proud history of bodybuilding in Samoa during its glory days was not lost on the night. President Tamanikaiyaroi paid tribute to the late Tapasu Leung Wai who started the Federation in the early 1990s through his love for the sport.

His legacy continues through his son and Vice-President Romulus whom with the support of Treasurer Michael Ah Chong, of B.S.P Samoa, are determined to ensure bodybuilding reaches the heights it deserves to.

As for the competition, which also included women, John Lemoa, was a stand out. And the son of Kiona and Manuele Lemoa from the villages of Samusu Aleipata, Vailoa Palauli and Fasito’o-uta was rightfully bestowed the coveted Mr. Samoa title.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Mr. Lemoa was a relieved man, having worked extremely hard for 10 weeks to find the shape he showcased for the judges.

“I honestly never thought I will be competing on the stage,” he said. “The only thing I had been doing was my daily routine after work of going to the gym and that was it.”

He said his friend and Owner of Joe’s Gym at Lotopa, Johan Keil, talked him into the competition.

“Joe’s Gym is where I always trained daily and Johan saw me and talked me into the competition. It all started there.”

Mr. Lemoa also shared some of the challenges.

“When I got approached by Johan Keil to compete for Mr. Samoa, it was really hard at first especially with funding my gym membership and supplements for my diet,” he said.

“I only fully got on board when Johan Keil agreed that he will be sponsoring me throughout my journey and he will be my trainer.”

The rest as they say is history.

Asked what he has learnt since then, he said: ‘The sport is not just a sport itself, it is a lifestyle. I am grateful that I can live with that inspiring the youth of Samoa to join the sport.”

Mr. Lemoa added that his performance on Saturday night was his contribution to the revival of the sport in Samoa and he hopes to continue in the coming years as he develops his body and talent.

The Federation will now prepare for its 2018 Mr. Samoa Championship and then the South Pacific Oceania 2019. 

The next event on the calendar for the Mr. Samoa will be representing Samoa at the American Samoa National Bodybuilding Competition in February 2018.

 

Men’s Junior Bodybuilding

1st Benjamin Matale Fili

2nd Joseph Asiata

3rd Christian Tupuola

 

Women’s Physique

1st Siniva Williams

2nd Tunu Nancy Mata’utia

3rd Casidhe Mahuka

 

Women’s Open Physique

1st Titiula Manuma

 

Men’s Physique Short

1st Aunese Tauinaola from American Samoa

2nd Penetekoso Tevaga

3rd Joseph Asiata

 

Men’s Physique Tall

1st Giovanni Mareko

2nd Richard Stowers

3rd Mapesone Tipelio

 

Men’s Bodybuilding under 80kgs

1st Chris Etuale

2nd Giovanni Mareko

3rd Aunese Tauinalola

 

Men’s Bodybuilding under 90kgs

1st John Lemoa

2nd Benjamin Matale

3rd Richard Stowers

 

Men’s Bodybuilding over 90kgs

1st Eddie Gafo

2nd Vernon Westerlund

3rd Raymond Hill

 

Men’s Bodybuilding over 100kgs

1st Ryan Taifane from American Samoa

 

Men’s Masters Bodybuilding

1st David Fanene from American Samoa

 

Overall Women’s Physique

  • Siniva Williams

Overall Men’s Physique

  • Giovanni Mareko

Overall Men’s Bodybuilding and title of 2017 Mr Samoa

  • John Lemoa
 




By Ulimasao Fata 28 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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