Albany teen, 16, makes bodybuilding debut at Atlanta OCB Pro/Am

ALBANY — At an age when many teenagers are still exploring extracurriculars, 16-year-old CC Crockett stepped onto a competitive bodybuilding stage for the first time over the weekend — and left with a medal.

Crockett, an Albany resident and student at Albany Technical College Academy, placed second in the teen bikini division this weekend at the OCB Immortal Muscle Pro/Am Bodybuilding Competition in Atlanta, becoming the youngest competitor to medal across all categories at the event.

The competition marked Crockett’s debut in the sport, but the result was no accident. Behind the podium finish were months of disciplined training — and a mindset that reflects a broader cultural shift among young athletes.

“From the day she walked in and said she was going to train for a competition, I’ve watched her transformation. Getting to a competition physique takes a tremendous amount of discipline,” Tony Powell, owner of Tony’s Gym, where Crockett trains, said. 

“It’s been fascinating to watch — not just physically, but the dedication it takes day in and day out.” 

For Crockett, that discipline is not just part of the process, it’s the reason she was drawn to the sport in the first place.

“I’ve always loved the gym; I love the discipline it requires and working hard,” she said. “Bodybuilding is all of that, but intensified. Lots of people work out and diet, but not a lot of people have the intention behind those actions to bodybuild.” 

That level of intention translated into months of structured training, strict nutrition and physical endurance, a process that tested both Crockett’s body and her mindset.

“There is a lot of misconception about bodybuilding, especially for women,” Crockett said. “Anything extreme can be unhealthy, but for me this has helped me in so many areas. My relationship with people in my life, with my body and with food has all improved.” 

What began as a fitness goal quickly became something more for the teen.

“The sport has really opened my world up so much and given me a passion and a purpose,” she said. 

That sense of purpose extends beyond the gym. Crockett is enrolled at Albany Technical College Academy, a dual achievement program that allows students ages 16 to 21 to pursue a high school diploma while earning college credit. The flexibility of the program has allowed her to balance academics with the demands of competition prep, while staying on track to graduate high school a semester early.

While bodybuilding is often seen as an individual pursuit, Crockett’s journey has had a visible ripple effect within her community.

“Several of my girlfriends wanted to work out but felt intimidated by the equipment and weights, but I got them to come with me,” Crockett said. “We worked out together at first, and now they come in by themselves at any time of day. 

“When women know what to do and feel comfortable, they can do it.” 

Powell said that influence is one of the most meaningful aspects of Crockett’s success.

“She’s brought so much energy to the gym. It’s been a delight having her here,” he said. “What she’s done has encouraged others — that’s one of the most rewarding parts.” 

Crockett’s story also highlights a broader reality for many teens in communities like Albany, where access to traditional sports can be limited. National data show that children from low-income households are significantly less likely to participate in organized athletics due to the rising costs of travel teams, equipment and participation fees.

Strength training, however, often presents a more accessible pathway. Many schools maintain basic weight rooms, and local gyms provide lower-cost options, allowing teens without access to club sports to engage in structured physical activity.

Powell said that accessibility is reflected in the evolving demographics at his gym.

“We’re seeing younger people come in more and more,” he said. “Our members range from about 12 years old all the way up to seniors. In the evenings, it’s definitely a younger crowd — teens coming in after school or work.” 

He added that gyms are increasingly serving as more than just fitness spaces.

“Gyms have really become a place for younger people to go — almost replacing other social spaces — but in a positive way,” Powell said. 

At the same time, he acknowledged that entering that environment can still be intimidating, particularly for young women.

“For young females coming in for the first time, it can be intimidating,” Powell said. “That’s why having a supportive environment is so important. I think more women are realizing they can come in, get help, get encouragement, and be part of something positive.” 

That shift is reflected in national trends, as more young people — especially girls — turn to strength training not only for physical fitness, but for mental and emotional development. Research shows that adolescents who engage in regular resistance training experience improved mood, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and stronger emotional regulation — skills they often carry into adulthood. The structure of training, with its emphasis on goal-setting, consistency and delayed gratification, has also been linked to increased self-esteem and long-term resilience.

For Crockett, those lessons are already shaping what comes next.

“I plan to continue with the sport and go for my IBF pro card, as well as move forward into the career aspect of the sport to help other women achieve such a great thing,” she said. 

At 16, she has already proven she can compete. More than that, she represents a growing movement — one that is redefining youth athletics, expanding access to fitness, and demonstrating how discipline developed early can shape not just performance, but purpose.