SAIPAN’S Shawn Fleming delivered a commanding performance during the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation Guam Classic Muscle Showdown 2025, walking away with multiple first-place titles — including the coveted Overall awards in both Bodybuilding and Classic Physique — at LeoPalace Resort Guam on Saturday.
His victory marks a significant moment not only in his personal journey but also for the representation of the CNMI in international natural bodybuilding circuits.
Fleming won the overall titles in Men’s Bodybuilding and Classic Physique, and also took first place in the Men’s Bodybuilding Open, Men’s Bodybuilding Open Short Category, Men’s Classic Physique Open, Men’s Bodybuilding First Time, and Men’s Bodybuilding Best Poser.
Fleming, who began his competitive bodybuilding journey in 2022, described the moment of his victory as an emotional whirlwind.
“It was a mix of happiness, joy, relief, disbelief, and shock,” said Fleming. “All the preparation and sacrifices led to these results, and seeing myself among so many great competitors made it feel almost unbelievable,” he added.
Standing on stage representing the Northern Marianas was a proud moment for Fleming. Alongside fellow Saipan-based competitor Tanielu Leuta, the duo helped spotlight the potential of athletes from Saipan.
“It felt great to represent the Northern Marianas, especially Saipan,” Fleming said. “Our presence helps show that talent exists across the islands too.”
Competing in Guam and representing the CNMI was not a decision Fleming made alone. It was the encouragement of his gym community and bodybuilding friends that convinced him to step on stage.
“I never saw myself as having the potential for this, but they did. Their incredible support pushed me to take part in WNBF Guam,” he said.
When asked which of the two overall titles meant more — Bodybuilding or Physique — Fleming couldn’t choose.
“I have to say both, because when I think of someone who wins overall for Classic Physique and Bodybuilding, I wouldn’t think of myself as someone who would meet those, after looking at the other competitors,” Fleming said. “I keep thinking that I still have a long way to go. So, to have actually attained both felt incredibly rewarding and unbelievable. I couldn’t have been prouder at that moment to walk away with both of those trophies.”
Fleming credits his entrance into the sport to close friends and mentors at the gym — especially Jun Lagmay, Neil Ayson, Dee Clayton, and Derek Cutting.
“They were the first ones to say, ‘Are you going to do the bodybuilding competition? You should.’ That’s how it all started,” he shared. Since then, Fleming has been “addicted” to the progression.
Interestingly, one of Fleming’s greatest inspirations doesn’t come from the gym, but from Gotham City.
“Batman,” he said with a laugh. “He’s very disciplined, and I try to apply that mindset in my own lifestyle. No powers, just focus, sacrifice, and hard work.”
Now 33 years old, Fleming continues to draw motivation from his inner child — the one who grew up loving superheroes, movies, comics, and video games. Yet his adult reality is marked by discipline, structure, and the unrelenting pursuit of growth.
Looking ahead, Fleming is not rushing into the next big stage just yet.
“Right now, I just want to enjoy the moment — have a burger and pizza here and there,” he said with a grin. “But I’d also like to get a little bigger in case I decide to compete again.”
For aspiring bodybuilders in the CNMI or throughout Micronesia, Fleming offered heartfelt advice:
“Just do it. It’s natural to second-guess yourself or to be hesitant. If that desire is strong enough, you can work through hesitation. But always remember, it’s not just a hard sport — it’s a lifestyle of preparation. Once you start prepping, it’s a strict diet, sleep, and gym schedules. And if the stage seems scary, what I learned from my friend is that it’s you up on that stage. You’ll be doing what most are too scared to even do. And that’s already the biggest step.”
Shawn Fleming, center, with some of the other competitors at the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation Guam Classic Muscle Showdown 2025 on Saturday.
Contributed photo
Shawn Fleming strikes a pose during the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation Guam Classic Muscle Showdown 2025 on Saturday at LeoPalace Resort Guam.
Contributed photo
