Recent Results and NABBA World Invite

Today is an update on my recent competitions and also a bit of news regarding my upcoming shows.

Lakes Open - 5th May 2013

This is a non-affiliated show and as such will not qualify me for further shows, however it is very competitive due to its timing. It is two weeks before the biggest NABBA qualifying show in the country (North West) and is used very much as a warm up/ practice run for the British Qualifier. Which is exactly what I did.

I entered the Over 40s because there wasn't an Over 50s category. In doing so I was up against a very sharp looking Steve B, who pushed me very hard but I feel that my overall size carried me through to take the Over 40s title.

Another good thing about this show is the Open class, mainly because it is truly is open. The winners of all classes are allowed to enter, unlike most shows where only the winners of Mr Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 can compete. There were thirteen of us on stage and I (by far the eldest) took 3rd. I was absolutely delighted.

As ever I didn't rest on that success and felt that my preparation wasn't completely right. I was carrying a little too much water and as a result looked too smooth, but thats exactly what this show was all about. The practice run went well, but I felt that I could look even better.

NABBA North West - 12th May 2013

This was the important one. The Britain qualifier. The show is not only big due to its importance, but also the sheer number of competitors and spectators. Its one of the best (if not the best) regional qualifier in the country, and the setting (Southport Theatre is just by the pier) is great.

The show was organised by Mike Sullivan (NABBA North West Rep) who is helped by many local gyms. Most notably Iron Man Gym in Preston. Iron Man Gym is where I train and is one of the best equipped gyms in the country, no frills, just lots of very good kit!

This time I was competing in the Over 50s and I was one of six competitors. My preparation has gone much better this time having learned my lessons from the Lakes Open (I will go into detail about my competition prep at a later date). I was holding less water and so looked much harder. I was actually taken aback by the reaction I received from other competitors back stage, the feedback was all very positive and complimentary.

I took 1st place and qualified for NABBA Britain which is to be held on Saturday 25th May at the same Southport Theatre.

All of the pictures for the show will soon be available on the NABBA website under the gallery link.

I wanted to end with something that I am extremely proud to announce. As I was walking off stage, the MC called me over and I was met by the show promoter Mike Sullivan. He offered his congratulations and then invited me to join the British Team to compete at the NABBA World Championships to be held in Turin, Italy on Saturday 8th June 2013.

So I am now a World Championship competitor, which I have to say, feels fantastic!