A team of eight fitness athletes will represent Bermuda at the International Bodybuilding Federation’s Central American and Caribbean Championships in Nassau, Bahamas.

Dave Wolffe, the team captain, Bernard Opoku, Deon Brangman, Nicole Tovey, Zoe Roberts, Tresca Trott, Jamila Mallory and Tahmeaka Thomas were among the winners at the Night of Champions at CedarBridge Academy in August.

The championships is expected to feature more than 400 competitors and will be held at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort this weekend.

Although the team includes four debutants — Trott, Roberts, Wolf and Thomas — Muhsin Nasir, the Bermuda coach, is confident that several members of the squad are capable of reaching the finals.

“I feel we have a strong team and among our standouts will be Bernard Opoku, Nicole Tovey, Deon Brangman and Tresca Trott,” said Nasir, a professional bodybuilder in the men’s physique class.

“Tresca is one of four newcomers but she has a physique like a veteran and has put in a lot of work. “She is getting better and better and we have high hopes for her at the competition.”

Among the contenders for silverware in Bahamas will be Tovey in the women’s bikini class. It will be her fourth championship, having finished second and third twice in the fitness category.

“In the past, 75 per cent of our competitors have reached the finals but a few of our veterans are not available and we have some new faces,” Nasir added.

“I still believe that at least half of our team are capable of reaching the finals in their categories.”

It may be Trott’s first time gracing the stage at a regional contest but she insists that victory is the only thing on her mind.

“I’m not going down there for experience, I’m going down there to win,” said Trott, who won the women’s figure overall class at the Night of Champions.

“I eat, sleep, breathe winning and I want to win in Bahamas; I’m not looking for the experience.

“I know the competition will be pushing hard, but I will be pushing just as hard.”

Wolffe, of Magnum Power Force Gym, has backed the team for some top finishes and is targetting a place in the men’s physique final.

“It’s always an honour to represent your country, especially as the captain,” said the 43-year-old, who won the physique A category at the Night of Champions.

“I’ve always been interested in fitness and nutrition but this is the first year I’ve really taken it seriously.

“I know the competition will be of a high standard but I’m not going down there just to stand on the stage; I’m looking to make the finals.

“I think we’ve got a small but well-rounded team and I know we’re capable of some strong performances.”

De-Von Bean, who won the bodybuilding class and “Mr Bermuda” title at the Night of Champions, is unable to compete in Bahamas because of other commitments.

Monroe Darrell, the winner of the men’s fitness category, has also ruled himself out of the competition.

Also travelling with the team will be Renae Cann, a coach and judge, while Candy-Lee Foggo, the Bermuda Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation president, will also be on the panel of judges in Bahamas.