Shawn “Flexatron” Rhoden Wins IFBB North American Overall
by Joe Pietaro

Coming back from adversity and long layoffs are nothing new for Shawn Rhoden. After an impressive start to his amateur career, the native of the island of Jamaica proved the doctors wrong who told him he was finished after cutting nine tendons in his right hand in a 1993 accident. 14 months later, the man known as “Flexatron” won the New Jersey Natural Eastern Classic.

In 1996, Rhoden needed to sit out a year after injuring his back squatting over 500 pounds. Six years later, his father became gravely ill and subsequently passed away from lung cancer. Rhoden put his career on hold and made his comeback seven years later.

Earlier this year, Rhoden placed first at the NPC Delaware Open and used that as a springboard for the IFBB North American. At 34 years of age, he has earned his pro card by taking the heavyweight and overall in Cleveland.

The top five in each division at the IFBB North American were as follows:

OPEN MEN – HEAVYWEIGHT

1- Shawn Rhoden
2 – Miguel Garcia
3 – Dan Decker
4 – Mark Antonek
5 – Sammy Nagib

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

1- Chuck Lyons
2- Benjamin Muniz
3 – Jose Reyes
4 – Prince Fontenot
5 – Jonathan Johnson

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

1 – Hand Groden
2 – Jason Fuller
3 – Derek Suto

WELTERWEIGHT

1 – Dr. Victor Prisk
2 – Bill Moschelle
3 – Shelby Starnes
4 – Jamie Bonaccorso
5 – Kyle Kubousek

LIGHTWEIGHT

1 – Scott Kivisto
2 – Kelly Pedford
3 – James Segert
4 – Arturo Gomez
5 – Wayne Hugart

BANTAMWEIGHT

1 – Franz Lopez
2 – Asuncion Lopez
3 – Mark Teasley
4 – Rafael Campazuno
IFBB OVERALL FIGURE CHAMPION – Silvania Salvanti

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