By Alric Lindsay
Professional Caymanian bodybuilder Robert Thompson Jr has just secured another international title as the winner of the Pro Grand Prix category of the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation Championships held recently. With this title as British #1, Robert is probably the most celebrated and accomplished bodybuilder in Cayman’s history.
Commenting on his win, Robert said:
I felt a sense of pride honestly, I couldn’t believe it. There were great competitors, and to come out on top was great.
While Robert is modest about his amazing win for himself and his country, the road to the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation finals was not easy. In fact, it was littered with injuries.
He shared:
My injuries were the hardest this season. I did my best to stretch, go to physiotherapy, massages, you name it I did it. I more so pushed through the pain and remembered I have a goal to accomplish.
The significance of Robert pushing through this pain and sticking to a strict diet and training regimen cannot be underestimated. It was both a mental and physical ordeal, notwithstanding that he had support from family and colleagues.
Robert is seen here on a typical day preparing meals for his training regimen
Even in the face of these challenges, Robert found time to offer advice to other bodybuilders.
He said:
I want to encourage and inspire others to chase the dreams they thought were unattainable.
Keep pushing yourself. You will not grow to your full potential if you remain comfortable.
Success does not live in your comfort zone. And you can do anything that you put your mind to.
Robert’s transformation as a bodybuilder over the years
With such a positive attitude, it is not surprising that Robert signed on with the Cayman Islands Government as a tourism ambassador, helping to promote the Cayman Islands as a jurisdiction through the sport of bodybuilding.
While he could not share the details of the Government contract, he said:
I signed onto be an ambassador for my country and to represent especially in times like these.
For confidential reasons, I cannot share the exact details in my contract, but what I can say is that I would like to be doing a lot more, especially since it’s competition season.
I’d like to be able to speak more and be given the same publicity as any other Caymanian athlete representing abroad.
He added:
I will always say that I am an ambassador. Whether that is with the Government or not. I represent myself and my island. And I feel like I do a good job at that. I would like to be recognized more, because I have continued to prove I have what it takes. And juggling this with training, it’s just a matter of prioritizing things.
L-R: One of His Biggest Supporters, Robert Thompson Sr and Robert Thompson, Jr
Regarding other institutions that assisted Robert, he said he wished to “thank the Security Centre for their support and generosity.”
Other than all of the foregoing, he has been generally self-funded.
Robert now looks forward to defending his Mr. America and DFAC World titles.
More about Robert Thompson Jr
Robert Thompson Jr.’s bodybuilding story is one of hard work and determination. He initially got involved in bodybuilding while recovering from a football injury. At that time, he saw what his body could do with the power of the gym. Self-motivated, he pushed his mind and body to limits they had never been to before. This is what made him a pro.
The 2024 British #1 win now adds to the following titles:
- November 2023 crowning as the Australasian Natural Bodybuilding Federation and Drug-Free Athletes Coalition (DFAC) World Champion at the DFAC Pro Finals held in Sydney, Australia
- Mr America 2023
- 2022 Amateur World Heavyweight Bodybuilding Champion
- 2019 Overall Men’s Bodybuilding title for the Muscle Mayhem show in Grand Cayman
- 2019 DFAC World Finals Men’s Heavyweight Bodybuilding Champion
- 2018 Drug-Free Athlete Coalition World Finals Men’s Heavyweight Bodybuilding Champion (he placed 3rd in the Men’s Overall title)
