Rajani Thomas’ bodybuilding dream takes flight in US debut

Copping first place in the novice class and second in the overall competition at the Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders (OCB) Tampa Natural Pro/Am competition on Saturday in Florida, Rajani Thomas achieved a dream that he only set out to pursue six weeks ago.

According to Thomas, who recently migrated to the United States and was not able to participate in the Jamaica Amateur Body Building & Fitness Association (JABBFA) competition in September, he had to find a competition in his new country of residence to participate in, and his coach, Kashane McFarlene, scouted out the OCB Tampa Natural Pro/Am competition near to the date of the event, but, nonetheless, he wanted to give it a shot.

“I had a short period of time, because it wasn’t something planned. I actually took six weeks to prep to get conditioned. Doing it and travelling [from Georgia] was a bit tedious, but I remained disciplined with the guidance of my coach. I just stuck to the plan and executed as best as possible,” the 26-year-old told Lifestyle.

After being awarded first place in the novice class and second in the overall competition, Thomas was thrilled with his accomplishment, even though he did not achieve his ultimate goal of earning a pro card.

“I feel grateful, to be honest. I was so happy. Knowing that I wanted to receive my pro card at that show, which would have taken me out the amateur league; but I’m still an amateur because I did not come first, but placed second, [and] I am grateful. That’s to show that I’m right next to the finish line to receive that pro card, so I’m actually recouping to see if I can do another show in the next three weeks to try and aim for that pro card again. If not, I’m going to regroup and go back next year,” he said.

In last year’s JABBFA competition, Thomas placed third in the first show and went on to place fifth at the national level. He credits competitions in Jamaica with inspiring him to compete in the US after migrating.

“When I was in Jamaica, I attended the JABBFA competition, which my coach Kashane and No Limit Fitness Jamaica introduced me to. So from there and then, I went and did a show, and I was like, ‘ Yeah, I like this bodybuilding thing.’ But transitioning overseas, it’s a lot different pertaining to entering shows, but I always see shows on the Internet, so I was like, ‘Okay, let me give it a try.’ I reached out to my coach back in Jamaica, and he said, ‘We got to do some research and find out the requirements,’ and then we just entered for the show,” Thomas said.

Thomas was born and raised in Clarendon. He joined the Jamaica Defence Force at 16 years old and enlisted at age 17, serving for seven years while living in Kingston before migrating to the US. It was then that he began to take bodybuilding more seriously. His passion for fitness started as a student athlete in track and field at Garvey Maceo High School, where he lifted weights, did lunges, and took on the challenge of building his muscles.

“Me challenging myself always gives me that drive to want to do more. ‘Okay, I lift two pounds, so next week, I’m going to try and lift three pounds.’ Looking on the bodybuilding aspect, to grow, you have to be doing a lot more than the last time. It’s always [about] looking better than how you looked before, and I like that challenge that I have to put my body under, so that’s why I continue growing.”

He added, “If you do this, give it time and you will see the new look. I’m always excited to see what the new look is going to be like.”

After migrating, he attended the International Sports Sciences Association, where he completed a course in personal training and nutrition. He later developed his fitness brand, One Percent Fitness, inspired by the notion that only one per cent of people worldwide are interested in certain concepts, including bodybuilding.

He has not yet confirmed which show he will enter next, as he is awaiting guidance from his coach.

ainsworth.morris@gleanerjm.com