Dustin Adair Earns Title Of Mr. Huntsville; Annabelle Bryars Shapes Bikini Titles At Bodybuilding Championships

MADISON- The necessary genetics to be a successful bodybuilder run through the blood of Dustin Adair. Literally. On July 20 he won the title of Mr. Huntsville at the Tennessee Valley Bodybuilding Championships 27 years ago to the day his mother won her title as Miss Huntsvillle.

“She was 27 years old when I was born and 27 years ago, she earned the similar title I won as I feel that’s special as she’s now a yoga and fitness instructor,” said Adair of his mother, Jennifer Cagle.

The 36-year old Adair entered the fifth annual local event held at the Von Braun Center with little expectations as the competition was his first official attempt at posing against other similar athletes. The former strength and conditioning coach began his preparation for the certified competition over a year ago. One among others who had the same goal as he when he first began his journey in perfecting his body, Adair saw his competition was incredible. With self-confidence and determination, he made his way to the stage and chose to enjoy himself in his presentation.

“It’s a cool thing I found out about my mother, but the whole day went fast as I felt I was trying to play catchup, but this was a good learning experience,” said Adair, who took second place in both the 35-plus Masters Men’s Physique and Open Class B Men’s Physique divisions. He was selected Mr. Huntsville from among those competing that live in Madison County.

In the women’s division, Annabelle Bryars of Madison finished first in Teenage Bikini and Open Bikini B Divisions and was ranked third in the Novice Bikini Division.

“I was told my posing was amazing as I felt comfortable and confident in what was my second competition,” said Bryars. “My bikini shape was miles better than in my last contest. This was indeed a great experience as I had family, friends and boyfriend in attendance to support my effort. It was great to have them there.”

Bryars, 19, began her venture into bodybuilding as what she termed a “gym rat” just after COVID in 2020. She started out at 136 pounds. She competed in the Tennessee Valley Bodybuilding Championships at 116 pounds. At 5-foot-3, Bryars has worked tirelessly on perfecting her overall body shape and chose a red bikini to pose in, “It looks great against my hair.” She indicated she found the perfect swimsuit from a rental company for $160.

For Adair, he wants to continue to train in preparation for next year’s Tennessee Valley Bodybuilding Championships and, with his result from the most recent competition, has qualified for the 2025 Masters National Championships next July.

“I need to improve my overall size especially my arms and shoulders, which need to be bigger,” said Adair, who works as a senior consultant contractor on Redstone Arsenal. “I need to create more balance in my overall physique. I’m focusing on growing in the sport. With all my hard work up to this point and my recent showing, I feel I earned that cookie afterwards.”

For Bryars, a former four-sport athlete at St. John Paul II Catholic High School and current student at Samford, she, too, plans on getting back into the gym during the off-season and grow muscle as she feels she needs to become leaner looking in the glutes (buttock area), add more size in her shoulders and lower her overall body fat.

“I had some doubts during my final prep for the event, but it was relieving, and I’m honored to receive recognition for my hard work,” added Bryars. “This was very validating to me as an athlete and woman.”

Bryars felt it was wonderful to be competing in her hometown. She added, “It was awesome being surrounded by those who saw me go through this hard work from the start of a quiet girl on the treadmill to the fitness journey that has come full circle.”