Robins duo nominated for Air Force athletes of the year Published Nov. 30, 2011 By Jenny Gordon 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- This year has been an extremely busy one for 1st Lt. Franklin "Allen" Elliott and Master Sgt. Tina Robinson. Both have been nominated for the 2011 Air Force Male and Female Athlete of the Year. Both have impressive competition resumes. Elliott, whose natural bodybuilding performances have earned him countless top finishes, switched to a new division, men's physique, introduced earlier this year. Competitors are judged on muscular symmetry, body conditioning, stage presence and personality. Elliott, 25, has only been into bodybuilding since July 2010, when he represented Robins in the International Natural Bodybuilding Federation's Southern Natural, where he placed third in the Open Men's Middleweight category. Looking for a challenge and a level of competition where he could still maintain his military responsibilities, Elliott decided to break into bodybuilding. "It was appealing to me because it represented the focus and discipline that wrestling did when I was in college," said Elliott, a graduate of The Citadel. "I've always taken pride in my fitness and nutrition, so I decided this was the best of both worlds." Among his accomplishments, Elliott placed fourth in the NPC national qualifier event for men's physique; first place in the Coastal USA competition; and was even selected among the ranks to participate with Gen. Donald Hoffman, commander of Air Force Materiel Command, on a five-mile trail run last August. Elliott recently made the move as an electrical engineer with the 402nd Electronics Maintenance Support Squadron, to a Commander's Action Group officer, helping with transformation assistance. He also recently competed in the National Physique Committee Nationals in Miami, and hopes to participate in more sponsorships and fitness awareness. Master Sgt. Robinson is no stranger to competition either. The North Carolina native recently received word she was chosen as the 2011 Air Force Reserve Command Female Athlete of the Year. "I am awed, humbled, and honored to be named 2011 Air Force Reserve Command Female Athlete of the Year and thankful to my commander, Col. Joe Wilburn for nominating me," said Robinson, who served in the Army several years. Robinson, who works with AFRC Recruiting Service, has a host of titles behind her name. Back in March, she was the individual gold and team national title winner, participating in USA Powerlifting Military Powerlifting Nationals in San Antonio, Texas. There she won individual gold for total weight lifted in her weight class, with a 245 pound bench press, 330 pound squat and 350 pound deadlift. She was the only female member of the team that took gold. She also won the Overall Best Female Lifter Award during the 2011 Muscle Mania Powerlifting competition at Keesler Air Force Base; and was this year's AFRC Outstanding Airman of the Year, First Sergeant category. She took a three-month break from powerlifting in order to prepare for fitness assessments earlier this year. But she's working her way back into a routine with biceps, triceps and shoulders conditioning. "I really want to do well next year," she said on the upcoming spring competition. Robinson uses the Sumo-style approach when lifting weights. Due to her stature, she said it's the best approach compared to the conventional style for taller weightlifters. The technique includes where you place your hands on the bars, and where you stand when deadlifting. She is currently gearing up to compete in March at the 2012 USA Military Powerlifting Nationals in Germany. In the meantime, both are waiting for the final selections of Air Force Male and Female Athlete of the Year.