Javin wins men’s physique overall

Javin Okawa poses after winning the men’s physique overall championship in the 2021 Dee Clayton Classic last Saturday at the Saipan World Resort. (LAO ZHANG)

Javin Okawa successfully defended his men’s physique overall championship after beating eight other bodybuilders in the 2021 Dee Clayton Classic last Saturday at the Saipan World Resort.

The 24-year-old Brabu Pharmacy staff first won in the short category before taking the overall plum after judges Jonas Barcinas, Dan Chase, and Ferdinand Lagmay gave him 11 total points.

Coming in second in the short category was Jimmy Damatan with Alberto Roberto completing the Top 3.

Okawa, who has competed in the last three editions of the Dee Clayton Classic, said he’s happy with the overall title considering there were quite a few competitors who came ready for the show.

Preparing for he Dee Classic entailed about nine months of training and diet to build some lean muscle mass, according to Okawa.

“About a month of cutting/burning fats, while trying to maintain my weight/muscle mass. My diet wasn’t as strict. I ate whatever I wanted but didn’t eat too much of it. I strictly cut off fat from my diet while only consuming healthy ones. Basically whole foods and processed foods that would help fuel my body. Then I worked out a lot at the gym and as days passed I slowly began to see results and remained consistent.”

Working out during COVID-19 also presented some unique challenges. “It was slightly hard at first. But as time passes we all slowly start adapting and work our way around it. In my case it was working out with a facemask which most people find difficult,” said Okawa.

He said he took up bodybuilding mainly because he wanted to have a nice body and look different.

“One of bodybuilding’s benefits is that once you get a feel of it you will start to feel better about yourself. You begin to feel more energized and less lazy because your body eats the right food it needs. And while you train your body you help decrease your chances of heart disease, joint pain, and other critical illnesses.”

Okawa, who is on sabbatical from finishing his accounting degree at Northern Marianas College, is dedicating this victory to the people who motivated and encouraged him.

“You know who you are. And to the people who are starting and wanting to start their physical fitness journey, it all starts with you. Also keep in mind that you are your only competition.”