Ross Caesar’s “last minute” decision to compete in the men’s classic physique at the Joe Weider’s Olympic Amateur South America in Medellin, Colombia, last weekend turned out to be a fruitful one.

The experienced bodybuilder won the men’s classic Physique A class title on Sunday night to earn an International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness professional card.

However, it almost never happened as the Ultimate Fitness Club trainer had originally planned to leave Medellin the previous day after competing in the middleweight bodybuilding division, where he placed fourth.

“It wasn’t planned before I left Bermuda,” said Caesar, who was also second overall in the Men’s Classic Physique. “I came really just to do bodybuilding, so it was a last minute decision.

“I did bodybuilding and I came fourth in my class and was actually leaving Colombia, but I decided to stick it out and go for Classic Physique.

“Initially, I didn’t think I would make weight for the classic physique, but I made it. I guess from the travelling I dropped some water weight, so I made the weight for the classic for my height division, which worked perfect.”

The triumph exceeded Caesar’s expectations.

“It was an Olympia so I knew it was going to be a tough, competitive show,” he said. “The idea really for me was actually get in the top five because when you come to these events you never know who is coming.

“Also, being in a foreign country with a language barrier as well was pretty challenging for me. I was the only English-speaking person in my category and there was close to 30 competitors in my class, so that was challenging just trying to listen to the judges and understand the commentary.”

A total of 21 pro cards were up grabs at the event, where participants competed in seven categories.

The card enables competitors to take part in professional competitions such as the Mr Olympia event, which is the most important professional show in the world of bodybuilding and fitness held annually in Las Vegas.

Caesar, who is from Barbados, said he is looking forward to competing as a professional and is well aware of the challenges at that level.

“It’s a whole different level now so I have to work a bit harder and be a bit more focused,” he said.

“The hard work starts now but I’ll take it one day at a time and will definitely use [the pro card].

“I spoke to a few judges who told me what I need to work on.”