Jaydon Goddard Reflects On Pro League Debut
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudian bodybuilder Jaydon Goddard made his professional debut at the IFBB Pittsburgh Pro in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the weekend.
Goddard, who gained his pro card at the Amateur Olympia Orlando in November last year, becoming the youngest Bermudian at 25 to earn the designation, competed in the men’s physique class in a field of 18 elite competitors.
The IFBB Pro League is considered one of the largest and most prestigious bodybuilding competitions behind the Olympia and Arnold Classic.
“I went into this competition not expecting a win, but I wanted to gain the experience and exposure of competing as a professional athlete,” Goddard said.
“As I got closer to the show, I realised it was almost like my first time again, competing as a pro for the first time, and I was nervous when I first stepped on the stage.
“I received useful feedback from judges and more established competitors, and I am looking forward to making improvements in my physique and presentation for my next competition.”
Goddard, who trains under coach Muhsin Nasir of Beast Gym, a sponsor of his pro debut, said he will focus on gaining size before he returns to competition, potentially at the IFBB Vancouver Pro in July.
“My coach continued to remind me that everyone on the stage had to be the best in their respective categories at some point to get there.” Goddard said.
“I know what I need to improve on. I’m focusing on putting a little more size.
“A lot of the Pro League guys are a lot bigger and also really conditioned. I have a lot of room to grow, thought.”
Goddard, who entered his first physique competition in 2019 and has competed in eight shows, attended the Bermuda Institute and Berkeley Institute before attending Eastern Florida State College to study computer programming and analysis.
While in school, he began working out as a means of stress relief and was encouraged to enter a competition.
Goddard is sponsored by Beast Gym, Balance Bermuda, the Government of Bermuda, Bermuda Cupcake Company Snowball Shack, Spot Restaurant, and Candi Cre8ions.
