This past May 31, Atlanta’s Alpharetta Marriott transformed into a vibrant hub for amateur bodybuilding as nearly two hundred competitors gathered to participate in the 4th Annual Cydney Gillon Peach Classic.
Founded by Cydney Gillon in 2022, this competition has quickly established itself as one of Georgia’s premier amateur bodybuilding events.
Gillon, who has made a name for herself in the professional bodybuilding circuit, decided to create this platform as a means of giving back to the sport.
Having recently retired from an illustrious eighteen-year career, where she became a legendary figure by clinching her eighth consecutive title at The Olympia, Gillon is now focused on nurturing new talent.
Rather than easing into retirement, she is expanding her repertoire, which includes hosting her own competition, among other business ventures.
Reflecting on her motivations, Gillon describes the Peach Classic as her form of community service, stating, “It’s like, How can I give back to the athletes who were where I was?”
The shift from focusing on her career to supporting up-and-coming athletes signifies a profound commitment to the sport.
Gillon’s vision for the Peach Classic was to elevate the experience for amateur athletes, resulting in significantly upgraded aspects from the first event to the latest iteration.
This year’s competition saw improvements in venue, prizes, and overall experience for participants.
The decision to host the Peach Classic at the Atlanta Marriott allowed Gillon to provide a more upscale atmosphere than the competition’s original location at Georgia Tech.
Competing in the Peach Classic demands a rigorous preparation period; athletes typically invest twelve to sixteen weeks into specialized nutrition, exercise regimens, and posing practice to perfect their presentations.
Gillon draws from her extensive experience at high-level competitions to curate an event that meets the standards of serious athletes, aiming to create an opportunity that resembles that of a professional show.
The night before the competition, the atmosphere buzzed as athletes checked in and participated in a mandatory meeting, highlighting a diverse array of competitors.
Gillon highlights a common misconception about bodybuilders, emphasizing their dual identities: “They’re regular people who bodybuild on the side.”
Participants at the Peach Classic included individuals from all walks of life, ranging from teenagers to seniors, and various professions encompassing doctors, nurses, and business owners.
Many competitors, including those pursuing professional aspirations and those celebrating personal milestones, committed to their competition journey for varied reasons.
The competition day began early, with the hotel parking lot filled to capacity by 8:15 a.m. as supporters and athletes alike prepared for a day filled with excitement.
As the event commenced at 9:30 a.m., the ballroom came alive with energy as competitors took the stage in their elaborately crafted swimsuits, showcasing months of dedicated preparation.
Each athlete performed their routines, displaying impressive physiques as judges assessed their performances.
Supporters in the audience added to the vibrant atmosphere, cheering on their loved ones as they stepped into the spotlight, fostering a sense of community and encouragement.
In contrast to the intense competition, there were lighthearted moments, where families and friends celebrated the athletes’ accomplishments, enhancing the overall spirit of the event.
As the finals approached, athletes were relieved to enjoy moments of connection with their families, and many treated themselves to delicious post-competition meals, breaking the rigid dietary restrictions typically followed in preparation.
Notably, Gillon continues to use her platform to inspire others in the bodybuilding community and beyond, encouraging self-love and personal growth at every stage of the journey.
She emphasizes, “My whole thing now is just making people believe in themselves, making people love themselves at all the different stages.”
Through her continued commitment to the Peach Classic and its participants, Gillon aspires to uplift and motivate others, fostering an environment where they can feel empowered to pursue their goals in health and fitness.
image source from：atlantamagazine
