Bajan Sun Magazine - Caribbean Entrepreneurs Vol1 Issue 6 | Page 16

BAJAN SUN Bajan Sun Magazine FEATURED BODYBUILDER AUG 2014 QUANTANO PARRIS Born in St. Vincent to a Barbadian father, Quantano Parris moved to Barbados at the age of 10 where he attended Princess Margaret Secondary school. Standing at 5’10” feet, and weighing 186lbs, Quantano is no amateur bodybuilding competitor, He competed in 2008 after first training and placed 5th. Later in 2010 and 2011, he also competed and placed 2nd in both years. Growing up his dad told him about famous bodybuilders from the Caribbean who made it in the arena and were recognized world wide. His dad also told him about his granddad who also competed and what he did to make it. Having seen photos of his granddad and eldest uncle, Quantano’s dad told him if he was dedicated and disciplined with a strong work ethic and proper motivation he could do anything he placed his mind to. At an early age Quantano started going with his dad to the gym where he saw how quickly his body responded and wondered if it would have the same effect on him. With this in mind Quantano chose to get into bodybuilding. He officially began training at age 15 and his body began to respond so quickly, that his dad and his friends noticed and encouraged him to take it seriously as they saw the potential in him. As Quantano continued to train seriously, he too saw that he could be a contender in the Bodybuilding arena. In 2008 he decided to enter the School Boy competition. However, two months before the competition he faced an unfortunate event which had him on bed rest for three weeks. Post that, Quantano only trained for a week before the show, lost the weight and conditioning gained through training and because of this he placed 5th. Nonetheless, that competition turned a new leaf for him and changed his life forever. Quantano revamped the way he ate and started working out consistently. Since high school Quantano has worked with Darcy Beckles & Roger Boyce to accomplish his goal and be in a better physical condition. Later in 2010, Quantano competed in the Teenage Competition where he placed 2nd. That night he was told by the president of the Bodybuilding Federation that he was the best improved bodybuilder that year. In 2011 Quantano’s success streak continued and after training with Orlando Blennman, Quantano placed 2nd in the Novice Competition. www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | [email protected] | @BajanSunOnline