Dedicated fitness fanatics hoping for glory

Committed, dedicated and super fit - three words that you could use to describe two local lads who are gearing up to enter the Nothern Ireland Model and Fitness Association competition in the La Mon Hotel in two weeks time.

Jay Dunlop (25) and Gavin Darragh (20) both train from the Energie gym in Coleraine - this is their first ever experience of a fitness competition.

Jay will compete in the Over 21’s Mr Athletic category whilst Gavin has entered the Under 21 Mr Athletic category.

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During the past few months, the pair have pushed themselves to the limit in preparation for the competition on Sunday, March 16.

Taking a break from training on Friday, Coleraine lad Jay, told Times Sport about his schedule in preparation for the event.

“This is my first ever competition. I am looking forward to it, but I am nervous. I have been training six days a week in preparation. The diet has been the hardest part for me, but I have really enjoyed the training.”

Jay’s strict diet means he eats no carbohydrates. “My diet really just consists of meat - about £60 or £70 worth a week and vegetables. I am also drinking around five litres of water a day,” explained the part time fitness instructor.

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Jay paid tribute to his pal and trainer, Glenn McClelland, McAtamney’s Butchers who have kindly sponsored his meat, and Gill David from Energie who supplies his supplements.

20-year-old Gavin Darragh, an NRC sports student from Portstewart is eager for his first taste of competition. He only decided to participate in the NIMFA competition ten weeks ago.

Thanks to personal trainer Lesley Ann Armstrong, a former Miss World, Gavin is raring to go and a whopping two stone lighter.

“I’m nervous and excited. I have been training seven days a week, twice a day- so it does take a lot of dedication to prepare.”

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Gavin went on: “Ten weeks of tough training comes down to about 90 seconds on stage in front of the judges, but fingers crossed it’ll be worth it.

Gill David, General Manager of Energie Coleraine wished the pair all the best in the competition. He said he was ‘proud’ to be able to support them in their training.