Ryan Williams won the competitive Open Division in his first body building contest on Nov. 13.

KAHANA — Ryan Williams, one of Sports Club Kahana’s body builders, conquered his weight class at the 26th annual Paradise Cup in Honolulu on Nov. 13.

This was Williams’ first competition, and he registered himself in the Open Division. 

He could have entered as a novice and competed against other novices, but he preferred the Open Division.

The division featured experienced body builders trying to win a chance to compete in a national show.

In order for body builders to turn professional, they must place in the top three of a national qualifier competition. Next, they must place in the top three of a national show to qualify to enter a professional show.

For Williams, competing in the Open Division was the fastest way to advance and ultimately achieve his goal of becoming a professional bodybuilder.

For any first-time competitor, this event can be nerve-wracking. Williams welcomed the competition, rose to the challenge like a champion, and won his first show as a national qualifier.

He is now on his way to a successful career as a professional body builder.

Sports Club Kahana wrote, “We have a special request to ask of everyone. Please keep Ryan and his family in your prayers. Shortly after Ryan celebrated his amazing victory, life threw Ryan one of the hardest challenges we as humans will ever face. Unbeknownst to Ryan, his father had passed away one hour before he had taken the stage. Ryan, congratulations and our deepest sympathy. God bless you!”