Big Reds revels in national honour

Irvine Streete, one of Barbados outstanding former bodybuilders and weightlifters, says he is thankful to have received the Barbados Service Medal on Independence Day for his contribution as a competitor, coach and mentor in both disciplines over the years.

During an interview with Barbados TODAY, Streete said he felt proud to be recognised by his country. In fact, he admitted to being surprised upon receiving the call.

“I am a bit overjoyed but at the same time surprised. I almost jumped through the roof on receiving the news. I could not believe it,” Streete said.

Streete’s career in bodybuilding and weightlifting began in 1972 and 48-years later he has continued to live his passion. “Big Reds”, as he is affectionately called, still runs a backyard gym which started 34-years ago at his Gully Field Avenue residence in Bayland, St. Michael.

Sharing a bit about his journey, Streete said: “I was very skinny. I did not believe I could have gotten big. But then my brother who was skinnier than I began to get results and he forced me to get involved and I stuck with it. I worked very hard and have my own gym now for 34 years.

“I worked hard towards everything that I’ve accomplished. I became the Barbados national coach and I travelled throughout the Caribbean winning a lot of titles. It was so great to represent my country.

He added: “I was so strong I used to lift more than a hundred pounds. No one could have messed around me. That is why I got the name Big Reds.”

The 72-year-old Streete, a proud father of three children, said he was happy to see the progress of bodybuilding and weightlifting in this country.

Committed to offering and assisting young people, he said his gym had played a key role in helping many improve their health.

“My gym has gone higher, it is much better. It is in a backyard and it is beautiful,” he pointed out.

“I used it to help a lot of people that want help with their heart, and as long as you are old I take care of you. Personal training, tell you what to do, what to eat. I know a lot about dieting.

“This gym did a lot for me and I am happy to share it with others.

“I have the best diet in the world. I came along as a little boy not eating rice. I don’t use gravy, salt, I don’t smoke. I eat only fish, carrots, sweet potatoes, breadfruit, garlic, tomatoes and drink a lot of water for over sixty years.

“ I like that sort of life. It keeps me. young, it keeps me well. My diet is always strict.”

The veteran urged local bodybuilders and weightlifters to stay healthy, noting it was of paramount importance and recalling the same was required of him when he came up against the likes of Roger Sealy, Darcy Beckles, Orlando Blenman and Frank “Big King” Ogaro back in the day.

One of Streete’s closest friends, the president of the Barbados Bodybuilding Federation, Alfred Sparman, was in attendance on Independence Day when Governor-General Dame Sandra Mason presented him with his Barbados Service Medal.