This year, Human Movement Fitness Centre from Palmerston North are bringing over the most competitors from a single gym, but O’Keefe was still hoping her trio can deliver on the night.
“We’re still going to try. I don’t want to give back that trophy,” she said.
“They’ve been training hard for at least 12 weeks.”
Their leading hope will again be Michaela Sullenberger, who is out to retain her Ms Manawatu/Wanganui Shape crown.
Last year, Sullenberger won the most competitive division in Women’s Novice Shape, going up against seven other entries, and was then judged overall best when lining up against the Open Shape entrants.
Revitalise’s Taihape member Fiona Blyth won the Open Physique Women Short prize after six months preparation, and will be looking to do so again.
The gym’s newcomer is Leane Bird, also from Taihape, and she will be entering her first competition.
All three have been through the usual O’Keefe crash-court diet with their training, and so will be looking forward to the afterparty at event sponsor Mint Cafe & Bar to finally get some guilty pleasure food.
Bodybuilders will check in between 9-10am this morning before briefing, then get ready for the judging show at 12pm.
They will return for the Evening Show at 5pm, during which the winners will be announced.
The public can watch the midday show for $15 and the evening event for $25, door sales and eftpos are available.
Top prize winners will qualify for the NZ Nationals in October.
Roll of Honour
Previous Top Gym winners were – 2013 City Fitness (Whanganui); 2014 Rangitikei Active Gym (Marton); 2015 Rangitikei Active Gym (Marton); 2016 Snap Fitness (Palmerston North); 2017 City Fitness (Palmerston North); 2018 Revitalise Health & Fitness (Whanganui).
