Leaping on the judges table and shaking what she’s got put Penticton’s Paige Judd over the top at Sunday’s 30th annual JCI Mr. Muscle and Miss Bikini contest.
The 21-year-old employee of the Best Damn Sports Bar edged out some stiff competition to claim the coveted title of Miss Bikini and pocket the $500 first prize.
“Me and my girlfriend just decided to enter at the last minute and she bailed so I decided to go ahead and do it anyway but I never expected to win because all the girls are so beautiful,” said a surprised Judd after. “I didn’t think we were allowed to (get on the table) but I asked them and they said okay and so I just decided to go ahead and do it and this is what happened.”
She finished ahead of Candice Guillet of Summerland and Melissa McCann of Penticton.
“The reason I did it was to have fun, just a good time,” said the winner, who works out regularly and enjoys paddle boarding and sunshine. “I don’t think there is anything bad about it, we’re all having fun and Miss Bikini, Mr. Muscle is a good time.”
The annual Mr. Muscle and Miss Bikini contest raises money for the Junior Chamber International Summer Day Camps for Kids, a program operated through the Penticton community centre. Just over 1,000 people attended the event this year.
Over on the men’s side, it was Oliver Myatovic from Peachland claiming the Mr. Muscle crown, edging out runners-up Jared Kuzik (Richmond) and Chandler McCuthan (Penticton).
The men’s winner was also a late entry and didn’t even plan to enter the event.
“I was actually supposed to go to another festival in Kelowna and me and my girlfriend decided to sell our tickets at the last minute and came,” said Myatovic who is a pipe fitter by trade. “We showed up and a couple of guys flagged me down and said I should enter, so I did. I was just sort of winging it.”
Both winners say they expect to be back again next year to defend their titles.
One of those cheering the loudest on the crowded beach was 74-year-old Jean Turner.
“I’m cheering for Sarah Turner, the Honduran Princess, she’s my granddaughter,” shouted Jean with sign in hand. “I think this is wonderful and I’m enjoying every part of it. I would have liked the wet T-shirt contest but my grandkids wouldn’t let me in to see it. They told me no and to behave myself.”
What did she like best about the event?
“The muscle men, of course. I just love them.”
