Jaydon Goddard earned a coveted International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness pro card in Florida.

Competing in the Amateur Olympia event as part of the prestigious and highly competitive Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend in Orlando, the 25-year-old caught the eye of the judges to claim gold in the men’s physique Open class A, earning progression to the overall final.

There, he again impressed among the winners from classes A to F, finishing second overall to earn one of three pro cards on offer.

“I have trained hard for this moment, but it still feels surreal,’’ said Goddard, who is trained by Muhsin Nasir, of Bermuda Elite Athletic Strength Training Gym.

“It is time for me to make my mark on this sport as a professional, I have a lot to offer, so stay tuned for more from me.

“I am so grateful to my coach for his guidance, Beast Gym, and my other sponsors including the Bermuda Bodybuilding Federation, Bermuda Healthcare Services, minister Tinée Furbert, and Candi Cre8ions. I’d also like to thank my family and friends for their support, I could not have gotten here without you.”

In August, Goddard placed second in the men’s physique at the NPC Worldwide Caribbean Summer Classic in the Dominican Republic.

The following month, he dominated by winning the men’s physique open B class, the men’s physique overall, and the battle between the overall winners in the Royal Grand Prix held in Bermuda.

After taking up the sport while studying at Eastern Florida State College, he entered his first bodybuilding competition in 2020 and won the novice and open classes. Since then, he has competed in seven shows, three of which have taken place this year.