Think you’re too old to compete or don’t have what it takes? Think again.
On Saturday, July 12, 2014 I competed in the NPC Southern States show in Ft Lauderdale, FL. The Southern States is a highly competitive and very prestigious show, so I knew I had to be in the best possible condition.
Victory! At 56 years old, I won the Open Bantam weight class by one point over a much younger, more muscled competitor. Had he come in even just a little more cut, the decision could have gone a different way. But he didn’t, and that’s one of the things I love about competitive bodybuilding. Being able to come into a show my best and then capitalize on another competitor being slightly off in his prep. It was a sweet and thrilling victory, and one I will always remember.
I also competed in the Lightweight Over- 50 class. To give you some perspective on weight classes, I weighed in at 136 pounds for the show and the bantamweight class is 143.25 pounds and under. The lightweight class is 165.25 pounds and under. As a bantamweight, there’s always an immediate disadvantage going into a lightweight class, but I held my own and claimed a very strong and decisive second place.
To top off a very satisfying day, my evening free pose routine received a thunderous ovation and the audience was cheering for most of the routine. I love that feeling. Some competitors don’t put enough time and practice into the evening routine, but for me every part of the show is just as important as another. My goal is to be perfect from beginning to end. Yet another sensational choreographed routine by the master of posing, Russ Testo.
I’m not sure what’s on the agenda for the rest of the year but will share my plans in a future blog. However, I’ve always wanted to compete in Team Universe and of course the Masters Nationals – both in 2015, so stay tuned.
None of my contest prep can be accomplished without a supportive and caring wife. My wife Pam is always rooting for me and she’s always my biggest cheerleader. I can’t say enough wonderful things about how her support inspires me. I also want thank everyone who came to see me at the show – Cathy, Randy, Carol and Neil! It means so much to me.
The lesson from my victory: You’re stronger than you think you are; you have more capability than you think you do. Never fall prey to the negative influences that tell you you’re supposed to look and feel a certain way at a certain age. Never.
11 Comments to "Winning at My Age"
Marcia Middleton says:
July 24, 2014 at 8:42 am -
Awesome, Raphael! A well deserved win!
Congratulations! And thank you for continuing to inspire us all.
Keep up the good work!
Raphael says:
July 24, 2014 at 9:05 am -
Marcia, thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
Karen Johnson says:
July 24, 2014 at 10:10 am -
Hi RC – I know that I haven’t been in touch lately but I just have to take this time to give you a very big, Congratulations. You have always been and, continue to be, a huge inspiration to me. You have demonstrated what thoughtful hard work and dedication can do, irregardless of age. Bravo, man, Bravo!!!
Raphael says:
July 24, 2014 at 10:35 am -
Hi Karen – Thanks for your awesome comments! It means a lot to me!
Lynette says:
July 24, 2014 at 11:26 am -
Congratulations, Raphael! So happy for you. By any chance is there anywhere where we can see your evening routine – are you going to post it on You Tube or here on your site? Somebody probably took a video of it and I would LOVE to see it!
Kirby says:
July 24, 2014 at 12:55 pm -
WOW!!! Congratulations Raphael! Of course this comes as no surprise to me – you’ve always been a rock star in my eyes.:) Great job Buddy!
Raphael says:
July 24, 2014 at 1:07 pm -
Lynette – Thank you! Yes I’m going to post it in a few days. Thanks for asking and for your great support!
Kirby – Thanks so much! I really appreciate your support and awesome comments 🙂
Lori D. says:
July 24, 2014 at 7:51 pm -
Congratulations! I needed to hear your lesson today!
“You’re stronger than you think you are; you have more capability than you think you do. Never fall prey to the negative influences that tell you you’re supposed to look and feel a certain way at a certain age. Never.”
And I have a friend that needs to hear it too!
Raphael says:
July 25, 2014 at 7:45 am -
Hey Lori, thank you!! I’m glad the timing was on target. There are so many negative influences all fighting to bring us down. We have to pull together and show what’s possible. I’m really glad you sent it to your friend too.
Never let this go and when this slips from you, pull it back in:
“You’re stronger than you think you are; you have more capability than you think you do. Never fall prey to the negative influences that tell you you’re supposed to look and feel a certain way at a certain age. Never.”
Thanks again!
Rashmi says:
July 30, 2014 at 12:36 pm -
You are phenomenal. Congratulations!
Raphael says:
July 31, 2014 at 6:02 pm -
Thank you, Rashmi!