NABBA has been on the bodybuilding scene longer than any other federation in history! with a pedigree like that you expect a standard of the highest level from an event led by said federation. The NABBA North East is a show very close to my heart. I haven’t missed a North East show in over 20 years unless by illness. Paul Jeffreys NABBA North East rep puts his life and soul into this event !
Boasting a brand new trophy design made by the awesome fox mouldings. I have a few of the NABBA trophies and I have to say I am gutted I don’t compete anymore to have the chance to get my hands on one of these bad boys! PURE CLASS as always. NABBA have also introduced a cash cheque for all class winners which is a big step forward for bodybuilding.
As always I am lucky enough to be one of the few on the guest list for the show and Paul is always very generous when it comes to looking after me. I approached my seat and was greeted by four of the most respected judges around, Mozz Felstead ex Mr universe along with numerous other titles and probably the most in depth judging style i have ever come across he is never wrong (don’t tell him i said that he won’t let me forget i said it), Andrea Felstead his lovely wife and also ex seasoned competitor with an expert eye, Steve Johnson Mr World and numerous other titles and Paul Sutton numerous Mr universe wins. With a set of eyes with this amount of experience on the stage this will be a very well presented fair judged show. I also got chatting to Trevor Hawkes another extremely well respected judge and probably one of the nicest gorillas (he will get the meaning lol) in the sport, a conversation I would have carried on for hours listening to his stories and experience, had he not been whisked away to begin judging, maybe next time Trev?
First timers
Always a mixed bag of competitors, but this Time class was a pretty close match between the whole of the group. You never know what you are getting when you look for a first timers line up. Sometimes there can be a couple of lads that stand out amongst the crowd and then a few that you know won’t stand a chance. Not with todays event with a grand total of seven lads in the line up each one looking great!
1st place Thomas Haslam. A great full package, a lad that has totally transformed his physique from when i first met him at a local seminar. Good round muscle bellies with an appearance of someone who has been in the game a lot longer than he actually has.
Novice
Again another great class of lads with high hopes of taking one of these prestigious NABBA North East trophies. 6 in the line up and one particular lad in question stood out head and shoulders above the rest, Ross Connerton bringing an excellent package of size shape and density fitting of an athlete that will go far in the sport. Please Ross if you are reading this please move forward and don’t burn out like many other young hopefuls that have been and gone. Ross could have a great future in the sport! and it was certainly enough to get him the win today!
Bikini open
1st Sarah Lansden
Bikini over 35s
Elizabeth Hornsby
Novice tone figure
6 in the class with an exceptional standard of girls.
1st place Ainsley Mclean, pure class this lady with huge following in the crowd screaming her on, this is what bodybuilding is about. BIG crowds screaming shouting and stamping their feet to the music of the competitors.
A young girl who impressed me tremendously for not only a great physique but for true professionalism was Amelia no. 2 a winning smile that lit up the stage with sparkling bikini that matched her stage presence. Although she didn’t place as high as i had expected she took her placing with true grace. i have a feeling that this young lady will go on to be better every time she steps onstage.
Ladies tones
Ainsley Mclean again taking full advantage of that all knew rule of NABBA allowing athletes to compete in more than one class. (also overall winner)
Juniors under 23
Dan Hall the winner was unfortunately the only lad who took the stage for this class. As a mark of respect and to help the lad feel he had worked for his place on stage, Paul Sutton gave Dan extra time on stage with twice the allotted quarter turns as he should have had. Well done Paul a nice touch.
Classic
Dalton Tomlinson.
Masters over 45s
Craig Smith a seasoned athlete with a stage presence and posing style we all envy !!
Masters over 55s
Steve Jenkinson with a biceps peak that amazed me. Anyone who stands on stage looking this good at this age is clearly in leagues with the devil. ( I mean look at steve johnson its not fair ffs)
Class 3
Jacek Tomaz
Class 2
Tim Rosiek. Another guy who it was clear to see by the blind man with a bucket over his head….. Tim won as he stepped out on stage. I think he would have had to take a dump onstage and throw it into the audience not to win his his class! (also overall winner)
Class 1
Joshua Viljoen