History was made more than once in Biddeford last weekend.

The International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness Physique America (IFBBPA) held its inaugural Mr. & Ms. Maine Championship and Northeast Open at the Biddeford Middle School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, and several local athletes were among the event’s biggest winners. 

“The quality of this show, as far as the competitors, was second to none,” said Rod Legendre, one of the event promoters. “I was very, very pleased … I’ve judged more than 30 years, for various organizations, and the quality (Saturday) was unbelievable.”

About 25 competitors and a couple hundred enthusiastic spectators attended the event put on by the IFBBPA, which serves as the amateur ranks to the renowned IFBB organization that’s recognized by more than 90 Olympic committees. The IFBB was founded in 1946 by Ben and Joe Weider, and it’s the fourth largest sports federation in the world with a presence in 196 nations.

Saco resident and Men’s Physique Division contestant Tony Goulet earned one of two bids awarded on the day to represent the United States in an all expenses paid trip to an international competition. Goulet, 33, couldn’t believe his ears when he heard one of the judges announce his name.

Goulet will compete in Dubai this November, he said, and the former Navy man is excited for a second chance to rep the U.S.A.

“At first I thought I was dreaming,” Goulet said. “It means everything … You always want to represent your country.”

Legendre thinks the judges made an excellent choice.

“Tony’s been doing it for years,” he said. “What a great guy to have representing the IFBB and Team USA internationally. He’s just a very humble, straightforward guy.” 

Another Saco resident, Emily Dion, became the youngest Ms. Maine in history by winning the Bikini Division at 17 years old. Dion, who is a senior at Thornton Academy, almost didn’t participate, but the IFBBPA’s stern policy against drug use helped sway her mind.

“I initially wasn’t interested,” Dion said. “(But) after looking further into the federation and seeing that their goal is to make the best experience for the athlete as possible and try to bring back natural bodybuilding, I wanted to help advertise and spread it to areas where these types of competitions don’t get much publicity.”

Dion’s debut was in April, and this was her second show of the season. She said it can be intimidating at times to compete against people who are much older than she is, but that only pushes her harder in the gym.

Like Goulet, Dion also thought a mistake had been made when the judges announced her as the winner. Dion plans to compete for the last time this season at the Battle of New Hampshire this weekend.

While Dion became the youngest Ms. Maine, Biddeford resident Dina Burley earned the honors as the oldest Ms. Maine to finish in first when she won the Women’s Physique Division.

“To win the Ms. Maine title at age 50 was like gaining a new lease on life,” Burley said. “Age is truly just a number, and it’s never too late to accomplish your dreams.” 

Other winners included: Ms. Maine Wellness, Christine Paul, of Saco; Mr. Maine Bodybuilding, Kyle Hargreaves, of Windham; and Sarah Shraiberg, of Oxford, Maine, who was chosen as the second representative to attend an international competition.

Local legends, such as Skip Robinson, Ed Flanders and Marty Joyce, were honored during the event.

Legendre said the plan is to return the competition to Biddeford next year, and a date will be announced in the coming weeks. He expects the number of competitors to “easily” double the next time around, and the Saco resident is pleased that he could help bring the IFBBPA’s event to Maine.

“We had one in Biddeford before we had one in Boston, which is kind of crazy if you think about it,” he said. “It was kind of neat to bring this to Biddeford. I’m pretty proud of that.”

 

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