My time To Shine: Pillay
The South Pacific Bodybuilding Championships is an opportunity for Jordan Pillay to shine in his first ever international competition.
The show is scheduled for October 25 in New Caledonia and Pillay is one of Team Fiji’s top bets in the physique category.
The 25-year old personal trainer has been winning physique competitions in Fiji since 2018, including the 2018 and 2019 Mr Suva and last year’s Mr Fiji.
But competition in New Caledonia is expected to be tougher than what Pillay has faced so far, with competitors expected from all over the region. He says he is not deterred by what awaits him in Noumea and only wants to do the country proud by winning the gold medal.
He missed last year’s show, which was held at Suva’s Grand Pacific Hotel, due to injury, which has made him more determined to make a mark this time around.
In the physique division, Pillay will be judged on his presentation, muscular development and symmetry.
This is different from the bodybuilding division, where athletes tend to have more muscle mass and need to execute specific poses.
“Going to my first international competition does make me feel nervous because I am stepping out of my comfort zone,” he said.
“But I won’t let that get me down and still continue to work hard and stick to the plan. With two weeks to go, my preparations are on track and I will bring a much improved package this time around.”
Pillay is part of a largely inexperienced 11-member squad, including eight men and three women. Reigning Mr Suva, Saimoni Leuta, has also made the squad and will carry Fiji’s hopes in the bodybuilding division.
The team has been told by Fiji Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation officials to improve on their medal haul from last year.
Pillay believes Team Fiji has enough talent to do well in New Caledonia and has called on the Fijian public to lend them support.
“We’re not going there to make up the numbers. We have a good team and the goal is to bring back as many medals as possible,” he said.
“I understand that bodybuilding is not a very big in Fiji but hopefully things can change and we can make the sport known. It’s a very good and challenging sport at the same time. Building muscles is not easy and we would love your support.”
On a personal level, Pillay wants to touch up on a few areas with 13 days to go until the show.
He has been getting feedback from reigning Mr Olympia Brandon Curry, who is America’s top bodybuilder in the heavyweight division.
“I’ve already put on 2kg more muscle mass but want to improve my back muscles before the show to achieve better symmetry,” he said.
Pillay’s major challenge has been securing financial support.
Bodybuilding regularly gets overlooked by corporate sponsors, given its small athlete base and lower popularity levels compared with other sports.
Bodybuilders usually have to fund their own preparations in the lead up to major events, which includes costs such as transportation, meals and supplements.
“Bodybuilding is not a cheap sport. It’s very expensive and the only issue that comes up is finance. I’m getting a lot of support from my family and friends so I’m thankful for that,” he said.
“I would specifically like to thank Neel Shivam, Nikhil Nair, Jordan Wendt, Jamie-Lee Mitchell, Brandon Curry, the Mitchell family and my clients for supporting me.”