Frimpon also advised local trainers to prioritize education, stressing the importance of understanding body mechanics, muscle groups, and structured training.
MONROVIA – Ghanaian IFBB professional bodybuilder Godwin Frimpon has called on Liberian bodybuilders to take greater personal responsibility in developing their careers, urging them to focus on discipline, humility, and self-improvement.
By: Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
His comments followed the conclusion of Liberia’s first-ever International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB)-approved seminar, held in Monrovia from July 4 to 6.
The seminar, themed “The Science of Bodybuilding & Posing,” was organized by the Liberia Bodybuilding & Fitness Association (LBFA) in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. It brought together athletes, coaches, gym owners, and trainers from across the country for sessions on anatomy, nutrition, posing, discipline, and training methods.
Frimpon, who led the three-day program, praised Liberia’s emerging fitness culture and described the country as a rising force in African bodybuilding. He highlighted the strong showing by Liberian athletes at the recent West African Championship as proof of their potential.
“There is a lot of potential in Liberia when it comes to bodybuilding,” Frimpon said. “This is a country that, not long ago, knew very little about strongman or bodybuilding, and yet they are already producing athletes who can step on stage and compete.”
While optimistic about Liberia’s future in the sport, Frimpon warned athletes against over-reliance on federations or sponsors, saying success in bodybuilding requires individual dedication and vision.
“As an amateur, you don’t expect much. What pro athletes earn is for the athlete, not the federation,” he said. “You must know what you want, focus on your goals, and build yourself. Don’t wait for anyone to hand you anything.”
Frimpon also advised local trainers to prioritize education, stressing the importance of understanding body mechanics, muscle groups, and structured training.
“You can’t go into the gym and just do anything,” he said. “That’s the purpose of this seminar—to educate and raise the standard.”
He encouraged young athletes to remain humble and respectful, and to dispel misconceptions about the sport and its practitioners.
“Bodybuilders are often misunderstood. People think we’re violent or aggressive, but it’s not true. If the next generation can be humble and teachable, they’ll go far,” he added.
Frimpon also pledged ongoing support to Liberia’s bodybuilding community, expressing a willingness to return and help nurture local talent. “There is so much potential in this country, and it’s time we touch it,” he said.
Princess Shathy, a leading figure in the Liberia Bodybuilding & Fitness Association, described the seminar as a turning point for the sport in Liberia.
“We are proud of what we achieved,” she told FrontPage Africa. “This is a continuous thing, level by level. The vision we have is not just about one seminar—we are planning to do bigger things.”
Shathy also used the opportunity to encourage more women to enter the sport, emphasizing the benefits of fitness for health and personal empowerment.
“It’s not just about muscles—it’s about your health, your confidence, and your strength,” she said.
She revealed that the decision to bring the seminar to Liberia was driven by the desire to make expert bodybuilding education accessible to athletes who couldn’t afford to travel abroad.
“We knew we had to bring that knowledge here so that no one would be left behind,” she added.
The seminar is being seen by many as a foundational moment for Liberia’s fitness industry. With IFBB backing, international mentorship, and strong local leadership, the groundwork has been laid for more structured training programs, national competitions, and potential international participation.
