Father and daughter to compete in bodybuilding

Stanley and Filomenaleonisa Iakopo will mark a first in the CNMI when the father and daughter compete in tomorrow’s 2021 Dee Clayton Classic Bodybuilding Championship at the Saipan World Resort.

“It’s a dream come true for me. I’ve always said to my wife that one day, I want our kids to do all the sports with me ever since they were little. I am very proud of my daughter because not every 15-year-old can do this. It takes a lot of heart, self-discipline, and sacrifice to do what Filomenaleonisa does,” said Stanley.

Filomenaleonisa looks forward to joining her first bodybuilding competition, which has been made more special since she will be competing with her father.

“I am blessed because I have the best trainer, my dad, who guides me through this journey. This process is definitely not an easy one, but having my dad by my side makes everything less difficult. I am very proud to be the first ever father-daughter competing in the DC Classic competition.”

Stanley and Filomenaleonisa Iakopo will make history when they compete in tomorrow’s 2021 Dee Clayton Classic Bodybuilding Championship at the Saipan World Resort. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Stanley, who is competing in the men’s open, said they started training for the bodybuilding tilt last September. Their training is composed of lifting weights every day at 5am and training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Trench Tech Gym with cardio in the evenings. Diet had them eating mostly fish, chicken breast, white meat tuna, vegetables, while cutting out all the junk food and greasy food.

Entered in the women’s open figure, Filomenaleonisa said juggling sports and academics isn’t easy but doable if you have discipline.

“Although I’ve always been active in many sports such as Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, motocross, and track and field, I learned how to balance all the things I’m passionate about. It takes a lot of dedication, commitment, and determination while dieting, using most of my time at the gym, school, and spending time with family.”

Stanley said just competing with her daughter is already a homerun for him, but added that he will still give his best in tomorrow’s competition.

“I am always confident in every sport I do as I stay focused, give it my 100%, and always believe in myself. Whatever the outcome may be, going through this journey with my daughter is very rewarding.”

He added that Filomenaleonisa is fearless and will stop at nothing when she sets her mind on a goal.

“Originally she was supposed to do the teen category but she wanted to challenge herself and knowing her competitive nature, she wanted to go up against seasoned competitors.”

Filomenaleonisa, a 10th grader at Kagman High School, said she’s genuinely very excited but nervous going into the competition.

“This will be my first competition and will be competing against previous champions. I have faith in my training and all the hard work I have put in. Whatever the outcome may be I am proud of accomplishing one of the many goals I have.”