Haitian bodybuilder Louis Nico claimed the top spot in the Men’s Physique category at the NPC Caribbean Summer Classic, earning his qualification for the Mr.
Haitian bodybuilder Louis Nico came out on top in the Men’s Physique category at the NPC Caribbean Summer Classic, earning his qualification for the Mr. Olympia Amateur, scheduled for September 11 and 12. For this athlete with four years of experience, this win is the result of six weeks of preparation, sacrifices, and determination, despite the challenges linked to the Haitian context.
Four years after starting competitive bodybuilding, Louis Nico is reaching a new milestone in his career. The Haitian athlete, competing in the Men’s Physique category, has just won the NPC Caribbean Summer Classic, an international competition that opens the doors to the Mr. Olympia Amateur for him.His competitive journey began in Santo Domingo in 2022. At the time, a friend, impressed by his physique, suggested he try out competition. Nico then won his first championship title. Four years later, he continues to climb the ranks.
For him, the NPC Caribbean Summer Classic is more than just a competition. “The NPC isn’t just a competition, it’s a chance to be among the top athletes in the bodybuilding world,” he explains. According to him, the competition is also “a big milestone,” as it allows you to qualify for the Mr. Olympia Amateur.
Six weeks of preparation and sacrifices
The preparation, however, wasn’t exactly a formality. Louis Nico says he faced difficulties accessing certain supplements in Haiti, as well as challenges related to his diet. “The preparation wasn’t easy, especially with the situation in the country. There were supplements I just couldn’t find here. As for the food, a lot of effort was needed to stick to the diet,” he explains.
The specific prep for the NPC Caribbean Summer Classic lasted six weeks. Among the biggest sacrifices, the athlete mentions his trip from Port-au-Prince to Dajabón, on the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The goal was mainly to preserve the muscle mass he had built during his preparation.Despite these constraints, Nico says he never really doubted his abilities. For him, the competition was both a dream and an opportunity to represent his country. “I was 100% confident in myself. I told myself that my sacrifices wouldn’t be in vain,” he says.
“You came here to be a champion”
A few minutes before going on stage, while the competitors were getting ready backstage, the athlete had some self-talk that sums up his mindset before the competition. “I talked to myself and I said, ‘Yo, you came here to be a champion. No matter what happens, you’ll be first,'” he recalls.
Another memory especially stood out for the new champion. According to him, some of his opponents were impressed by his physique even before the results and had the sportsmanship to congratulate him.The title he won therefore represents, in his eyes, much more than just an award. “I received the champion title as the result of all my sacrifices,” explains Louis Nico. He also believes that this victory gives him the opportunity to show what disciplined work can achieve: “It gives me the chance to show how a person can transform their body with discipline and work.”
A collective success
Behind this achievement, the athlete emphasizes the importance of his support system. His participation in the NPC Caribbean Summer Classic was made possible by a young team that decided to mobilize to help him take part in the competition.
His coach, Franck, is a Dominican who specializes in physical training and supporting competitive athletes. His family and close ones also played an important role in his journey.Louis Nico admits that he went through a moment of doubt during his preparation. He even thought about giving up. But the support of his loved ones pushed him to keep going. “My family and friends encouraged me. They told me, ‘No, you can’t give up, we’re going to help you get to the competition,’” he recalls.
Now, the Mr. Olympia Amateur is in sight
Winning the NPC Caribbean Summer Classic has now opened up a new perspective. Louis Nico sees his qualification for the Mr. Olympia Amateur as “the biggest step” of his sports career.The competition, scheduled for September 11 and 12, is already his next goal. The athlete says he started his training right after winning his championship, knowing that the level will be even higher. “The Mr. Olympia Amateur is even tougher than the NPC, and I have to be champion,” he says, clearly showing his ambitions. His goal doesn’t stop at winning his category either. He’s aiming for the Pro Card, which would allow him to enter the professional circuit.
To get there, Nico knows he still has to make progress. He especially plans to increase his muscle mass and focus more on the parts of his physique that still need improvement.To those who want to get into bodybuilding in Haiti, he shares a message based on his own journey: ‘Work hard, stay focused, and believe in yourself. Surround yourself with good people, because in tough times, you’ll need the encouragement of your family, friends, and loved ones. Always set a goal. There will be days when you feel like giving up, but as long as there is willpower, the dream cannot die.’
After his win at the NPC Caribbean Summer Classic, Louis Nico now has a few weeks to turn this ambition into a new performance. The next event is set for September 11 and 12, with Mr. Olympia Amateur as the next step and the Pro Card as the ultimate goal.
