By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
The Coordinator of the Liberia Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (LBFA), Adonis M. Gblinwon, is calling on the Government of Liberia and well-meaning citizens to support the national bodybuilding team following its recent achievements on the international stage. Speaking during the Ministry of Information’s regular Thursday Press briefing, Gblinwon emphasized that despite the association’s growing success, the athletes continue to face serious financial and logistical challenges.
“We need support from the government and private individuals. Our athletes have done tremendously well with little to no funding, and with the right support, we can achieve even greater results,” he stated.
Gblinwon highlighted that the LBFA, established just about a year ago, has already made significant strides in promoting fitness and creating opportunities for young Liberians.
He noted that the association’s participation in international competitions has not only elevated the sport but also showcased Liberia’s potential on a broader stage. According to him, the association received its first international invitation in April 2025 to compete in Ghana under the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB), headquartered in Spain. Liberia was represented by a single athlete who placed fourth overall in West Africa during his debut appearance.
In addition to competition, the trip provided professional development opportunities, with between 15 and 20 Liberian fitness coaches and personal trainers receiving certification through an IFBB-affiliated academy. The team’s second international outing took place in February 2026, where three athletes Alonso Hammon, Ramsey Davis, and Jesse Betta competed. Hammon secured second place, Davis finished third, and Betta placed fourth in their respective categories.
Following that, he said the team succeeded in achieving the IFBB West Africa Championships where three athletes Alonso Hammon, Ramsey Davis, and Emmanuel Nuahn represented and won. Coordinator Gblinwon maintained that the association’s most notable achievement came during the recent West Africa Championship, where three athletes represented Liberia.
He added that Alonso Hammon secured first place as the ProCard, Ramsey Davis finished fourth place in open Bodybuilding Physique, and Emmanuel Nuahn finished fifth place in Men Physique in their respective categories. Leroy Tigo earned third place in the Men’s Classic Physique category, while Alonso Hammon emerged as the overall winner and secured a professional (Pro) card, elevating him to compete at the international professional level.
Mr. Gblinwon stressed that the success is a national milestone. “This achievement is not just for the association or the athletes; it is for Liberia. We are proud to raise the flag on international platforms,” he said. However, he outlined the difficulties faced by the team, noting that athletes fund their own training, nutrition, and travel. “Bodybuilding requires strict dieting and consistent training, which comes at a high cost. All our international trips so far have been self-sponsored,” he explained.
He warned that without adequate support, sustaining the athletes’ motivation and participation could become difficult. “If we do not get the necessary help, it may discourage our athletes from continuing. But with support, the future is very bright,” he added.
Mr. Gblinwon also disclosed plans to host Liberia’s first-ever national bodybuilding and fitness championship later this year as part of efforts to further develop the sport locally.
He concluded by thanking the Ministry of Information and members of the media for providing a platform to highlight the association’s work, while urging the Ministry of Youth and Sports to engage with the federation. “We have demonstrated what we can do within a short period and with limited resources. With the needed support, Liberia can become a force in bodybuilding across the region and beyond,” he said.
