Portage la Prairie residents Darius Stevens, Jayda Yakielashek, and Brett Clark will be turning heads at Winnipeg’s Van Dijk Classic bodybuilding competition coming soon. The trio, who train together at Portage Fitness Co-op, bring a mix of rookie enthusiasm and seasoned experience to the stage.
For Stevens, a first-time competitor, the event marks the culmination of six months of gruelling preparation and a journey of self-discovery.
The competition and team spirit
Hosted at a local high school auditorium, the Van Dijk Classic honours the legacy of Henry Van Dijk, a beloved figure in Manitoba’s bodybuilding community. Stevens, alongside fellow newcomer Yakielashek and returning competitor Clark, emphasizes the camaraderie that fueled their journey.
“We all work out together… Brett kind of got us both interested in it,” Stevens says. “We decided to all do it together, going through the journey as a team.”
Clark, who competed last year, mentored Stevens and Yakielashek through their prep, blending his experience with their fresh drive.
Stevens calls the competition “a very open space for new people to join,” highlighting its welcoming vibe for amateurs.
From hiatus to high-octane goals
Stevens’ path to bodybuilding began after years away from organized sports.
A former high school athlete, she rediscovered her passion for fitness through a friend and the supportive environment at Portage Fitness Co-op.
“I started really enjoying being [at the gym]… Brett told me about competing, and I decided to give it a shot,” she explains.
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Her routine since January has been relentless: seven days a week of cardio, including 45 minutes on the treadmill and 45 on the Stairmaster, plus five days of strength training. “My workouts take about 2½ to three hours daily—it’s like a part-time job,” she notes with a laugh.
Balancing this with her job at Boston Pizza also adds a unique challenge.
She adds, “I have a very hard time looking at all the pizzas and brownies all day when I’m not allowed to have that!”
Empowering youth through discipline
For Stevens, the competition isn’t just about physique—it’s about proving personal resilience.
She encourages young people to embrace fitness as a gateway to confidence and health.
“If you’re interested, give it a shot. It requires discipline and patience, but it changes how you feel,” she says. “You learn about nutrition, health, and what your body can achieve. It’s difficult but worth it.”
As the trio steps onto the stage, their story underscores the power of community, perseverance, and the thrill of a first-time challenge.
Whether they take home trophies or not, Stevens, Yakielashek, and Clark have already flexed their most important muscle: heart.