Dianne O. Brown proves strong is sexy, wins bikini fitness
Published:Wednesday | October 16, 2024 | 12:05 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
The moment Dianne O. Brown graced the main stage of the Jamaica Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (JABBFA) competition, the audience knew that she was a winner. Dazzling in pink, Brown proved that strong is the new sexy and with each strut, she was exquisitely poised for the prize. The judges agreed, declaring her the champion of the bikini fitness tall class and bikini fitness overall.
She told Lifestyle, “The stage has always been my playground! It’s a powerful and exhilarating experience. When it was announced that I was the winner, I felt validated, proud and happy! I had already made space on my whatnot for the trophy, so it felt right!”
The pageant queen and coach has prided herself in putting her best foot forward, going above and beyond for her clients. After accomplishing some of her goals, the fitness enthusiast was looking for a new challenge. “I wanted to push some boundaries and find out what I was made of,” she shared.
Maintaining a steady and effective routine has been the most significant part of her life-changing journey. Her workouts, which occurred five days a week, included weightlifting and cardio. “My sessions were anywhere from an hour to three hours long, depending on my energy level that day. And there’s no greater feeling than getting it done and out of the way in the morning, so that I don’t have to think about it for the rest of the day. It’s a huge sense of accomplishment.”
Noting that she wouldn’t recommend anyone taking on this journey alone, her personal trainer, Nelly Modest, who is an international fitness and bodybuilding federation bikini pro, has been a solid support system. “There’s a huge mental aspect to competing, so she has been foundational in helping me stay grounded.”
When it came to nutrition, she ate the same foods, the ones that she knew her body loved and digested well. “It’s really important to keep things consistent to get the best results.”
As a Miss Jamaica World finalist in 2013, Brown went on to win Miss Grand Jamaica in 2016. She explains that her background in pageant coaching and fitness coaching prepared her for the bodybuilding stage. “It has been a joy to combine all my skills and talents on one stage,” she added.
When she first entered the competition last year and placed second, she recalled feeling disappointed, drained and unsure where to go next. She questioned whether it was worth going back to the drawing board and returning better this year. “But that placement was exactly what I needed. I needed that fire. I needed to unlock a hunger that would take things to the next level,” she highlighted, adding, “My main goal was to be better in every single aspect. My coach and I set out to build muscle without adding excess body fat. I wanted the judges to be shocked when they saw me next! Mission accomplished!”
At the peak of her off season, Brown was 138.9 pounds with a 30-inch waist. By competition night, she weighed in at 124 pounds with a 24.55-inch waist. “The main transformation for me was recomping my body and adding more muscle.”
Since her win, the bikini fitness champion has been preparing to represent Jamaica at the upcoming 51st Central American and Caribbean Fitness and Bodybuilding Championships in Guyana. “It feels incredible to be blessed with another opportunity to represent my country.”
Her advice or tips for those who want to compete in bikini fitness competitions is to go all out. “Make sure your life and surroundings support your goals, get a knowledgeable coach, and show up every day like you’ve already won.”