Cricel Castillo Tangles with Bodybuilding Federation

Cricel Castillo

The Belize Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation has announced the suspension of bodybuilder Cricel Castillo, for a period of two years, effective immediately. The decision came after a nasty bout between the Federation and Castillo which included allegations of misappropriation of funds. It started at the Arnold Classic in February, where Castillo placed eleventh out of one hundred and seventy-seven women who participated. That’s a notable achievement, but Castillo claims that monies which should have come to her for sponsorship for that tournament were withheld by the B.B.B.F.F.  It’s been a protracted back and forth since then, resulting in the two year ban. Our understanding is that the ban has been in effect for some time now, but it was formally announced at a B.B.B.F.F. press conference this morning.

Stanley Moody, President, B.B.B.F.F.

Stanley Moody

“Cricel ultimately placed notices on Facebook criticizing the Federation, that we’re a bunch of thieves and using four letter words which is totally against the code of ethics for bodybuilding. Now once you’re a competitor you’re supposed to be a role model for these younger kids outside who possibly might one day want to be a bodybuilder…and it’s not just for bodybuilding, its fitness, its life. Kids look up to athletes, especially successful athletes. So as a result of that Ms. Castillo was banned for two years after the executive met…she was banned for two years. But she wasn’t banned until she was given an opportunity to come in front of the Executive Board to explain herself and to retract…all we wanted was an apology. If she had come across and apologized, and retract what was said on FB, then the chances are she would not have been suspended. But she chose that route. One thing I despise is when anyone tries to hit somebody’s character and ethics. Every member of this Board is an ethical person. We have quality people on this Executive. So it’s not appreciated for anyone to come and criticize this Board. There’s such a thing as constructive criticism, yes, but if you’re going to say something negative about someone, you better have proof and something to back it up. So I’m here to tell you right now that what Ms. Castillo did was wrong. There was no misappropriation of funds. Everything is in black and white, and whoever wants to see it…I have no problem with that. If you want it I can provide it. And as far as the Cricel matter goes, hopefully this should be the end of it.”