The dedication and perseverance of several Cuban athletes were on full display in Matanzas during the 27th Provincial Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship in 2025.
As reported by the official news outlet Girón on a Facebook post this Saturday, the event took place at Las Palmas Cultural Center and was sponsored by the Cuban Association of Bodybuilding and Fitness.
Eighteen competitors from the province participated, showcasing impressive results despite the challenging economic conditions in the country.
The championship aimed to highlight health and physical exercise as a lifestyle choice, according to the media. However, it also underscored the stark contrast between the nutritional demands of this sport and the food scarcity faced by Cubans, where even accessing a balanced diet presents a daily challenge.
Dorian Hernández, the president of the judging committee in Matanzas, expressed that the event aims to strengthen bodybuilding as both a scientific and athletic discipline, although he acknowledged that provinces like Havana and Villa Clara have a more established history in the movement.
In the results, Eliades Enrique Reynaldo Mesa emerged as the overall champion in the men’s physique category, while Adonis Reyes Martínez took first place in bodybuilding. Among the women, Shakira Barzaga triumphed in bikini fitness, and Misleidis Quevedo excelled in wellness.
Alexis Odelin Mora was honored as the best poser of the event, marking his third consecutive recognition, while Leonel Alfonso Monroy was voted the most popular contestant of the championship.
Champion Eliades Reynaldo Mesa emphasized the difficulty of the preparatory phase, which involved meticulously planned nutrition in a country where protein and sports supplements are scarce.
“Competing requires meticulous preparation, from diet control to exercise intensity and fluid regulation to achieve peak condition,” he noted.
The event showcased that even amid crisis and restrictions, young Cubans remain committed to discipline, personal growth, and the pursuit of a healthy physique, despite increasing economic hurdles.
In recent years, bodybuilding in Cuba has gained momentum despite economic constraints and the food shortages that athletes face.
Improvised gyms, restricted diets, and rigorous discipline have become the norm for many young individuals who manage to compete nationally and internationally without specialized supplements.
In Matanzas, this passion has manifested in various competitions where determination surpasses scarcity.
During one such event, local athletes excelled in the Bodybuilding and Fitness Festival, demonstrating that interest in physical development persists despite daily hardships.
These competitions have become spaces for personal achievement and inspiration for an entire generation eager to keep the training culture alive.
Most recently, Cuba achieved remarkable success at the Moscow Bodybuilding Tournament, where island athletes captured nine gold and two silver medals.
This accomplishment highlighted the quality and persistence of the competitors, who, lacking the usual resources available in other countries, managed to stand out on an international stage of high caliber.
Challenges and Triumphs in Cuban Bodybuilding
What obstacles do Cuban bodybuilders face?
Cuban bodybuilders face significant challenges, including food scarcity, limited access to protein and supplements, and economic hardships that make it difficult to maintain a balanced diet and workout regimen.
How have Cuban athletes performed internationally?
Despite their challenges, Cuban athletes have performed exceptionally well on the international stage, securing multiple medals at events like the Moscow Bodybuilding Tournament, showcasing their dedication and skill.