By Alric Lindsay
Self-made Caymanian Lawyer, Actor & Philanthropist Lloyd Barker, Jr. has just achieved a new feat, winning gold medals for the Amateur Classic Bodybuilding and Open Amateur Bodybuilding categories at the Mr America 2024 competition held in Atlantic City, New Jersey from October 11 to 13, 2024.
For those unfamiliar with the Mr America competition, it is an annual event open to domestic and international athletes. All athletes are judged on muscular development, muscular proportion, conditioning, posing and general appearance. Barker was outstanding in all of these areas.
Commenting on what it took to get to this point, Barker said:
My training regiment leading up to the competition was intense. It was filled with heavy weightlifting to build muscle and sculpt overall, strict diets to reduce body fat and facilitate muscle recovery and development from the necessary foods, and a fairly decent amount of cardio to further reduce body fat and activate a healthier cardiovascular and metabolic system.
He added:
During prep, one of the biggest challenges I faced was trusting the process amidst all the sacrifices because it really is a marathon not a sprint. I had to believe that my physique would come together the way I expected — or as my coach (Robert Thompson Jr.) envisioned — with the time we had…and of course, given Robert’s exceptional expertise as a decorated athlete in the sport, we saw as the body aligned week by week.
Time management during my prep was also one of the toughest parts because there were so many variables I had to hit — steps, water intake, weights training, diet, posing, and rest.
It was a balancing act, but staying organized and focused helped me get through it all.
Barker also made sacrifices during the period leading to the competition. These included not being able to eat whatever he wanted, go out as much as he would like or even hanging out with friends. He also had to consider how to do everything while balancing his busy client schedule as a finance lawyer.
Commenting on this he said, “Those sacrifices, while challenging, were necessary for the bigger picture.”
With his hard work and sacrifice, it was inevitable that he would arrive at and appreciate the big picture- he won two gold medals in a field of highly qualified, hard-working individuals.
Reflecting on what went through his mind when his name was announced, he shared:
Generally, there were different thoughts and emotions for each category because each category brought its own challenge, questions, and points of comfort or discomfort. Time seemed to slow down. I had given everything to this moment – the training, the discipline, the sacrifice. Standing there under the lights, I reflected on how far I’ve come, the countless hours of preparation, and all the people who supported me along the way.
He continued:
When I recognise[d] that my name wasn’t called for the third spot and that it will be second or first, I honestly didn’t know what to think. Yes, we all go out there and we want to win, but I thought “Wow. Even better than I expected…” And when I got called for first, I was in such a speechless state. That win meant a lot to me for so many reasons.
For those who are aware of Barker’s talent as a motivational speaker, knowing that he was speechless in this moment is quite remarkable. Remarkable, but not surprising since he is always humble throughout regardless of where his journey takes him.
Concerning what’s next for Barker, he said he “will enjoy a few weeks of the off season.”
After the off season, Barker is likely to get back into training, noting that he is “committed” to the bodybuilding journey and pushing himself “to reach an entirely new level.”
