After a six-year hiatus, Cordillera bodybuilder Orlando Smith, Jr. did not disappoint and brought home a silver medal in the World Fitness Federation Asia Pacific Championships held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Oct. 15.
The 53-year-old Smith of Benguet bested dozen other athletes from the Asia Pacific region in the masters, or 50 years old and up category.
It was his first time to join the WFF since his last competition in 2016. He won a silver in the lightweight division of the Mr. Philippines-International Federation of Body Building and Fitness tilt.
“It was tough for me because I only prepared for two months. Like any other competitions, you will expect tough competitors,” said Smith, also a fitness instructor.
The event brought together close to 200 athletes from 21 countries and territories. It was a part of the annual competitions of the WFF, which feature over 100 member federations around the world.
The athletes competed in six categories: bodybuilding, men’s physique, men and sport models, women’s figure and bikini.
Smith is no stranger to competitions, being a staple winner in local and international events, winning bronze in the 2012 Hong Kong International Bodybuilding Championship masters division. He also won bronze in the same year at the Phil-Asia International Champs Masters Division.
He started late in the competition, joining his first tournament at 38 years old and was 41 when he won his first bronze in the Mr. Philippines in 2010, and repeated the feat in 2011 and 2015.
“I’m competing with guys half my age so I have to stay fit. I used to be a heavy smoker and heavy drinker but when I started competing, that was a game changer. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle helped me maintain my body and stay focused and have a proper mindset,” he said.
With other Filipino winners, he will represent the country next month in the WFF World Championships in Indonesia on Nov. 19 to 20.
“In view of this, I’m knocking on your doors asking for your valuable financial support to help me with my travel, accommodation and registration. I’m humbly asking for any assistance you may give. It would be a great relief if I can get some of these off my shoulder,” he said.
He may be reached through his Facebook account: Orlando Smith. – Ofelia C. Empian
