BNBF Britain 2004
As 12:15 pm approached, the moment had arrived for the first class to enter the spotlight. Facing them were a panel of judges, comprising some experienced bodybuilders: last year’s overall BNBF Champion and WNBF Pro World Runner-Up Jon Harris; WNBF Pros Rachael Hayes, Karen Mason and Cheryl Myers – all previous BNBF Overall Winners; last year’s INBF Natural World Amateur Overall Champion and WNBF Pro Universe Winner Rob Hope, WNBF Pro World Champion Nigel Davis, bodybuilding and powerlifting multi-title holder Mike Duffy, WNBF Pro and Head Judge Davy Hannah and, of course … my good-self. With introductions complete, the competition commenced with the Novice Class.
NOVICE
The seven-strong line-up presented an array of maturing talent and some seriously
hard-core muscle. The epitome of the latter was Neil Andrews who presented
one of the thickest and most-muscular physiques of the day. During prejudging
his big legs and densely muscled torso stood out a mile. Neil just needs to
find the knack of coming in as hard as possible in order to accentuate his
fine proportions. In the last four months, Gareth Cauldrey has travelled the
bodybuilding equivalent of the space shuttle Columbia. Rocketing from relatively
mediocre performances back in June, he has finally ‘reentered’
with a new bodysuit, one with striated glutes, finely separated hamstrings
and impressive, vascular quads. On October 3rd, Gareth was one bodybuilding
cadet finally ready for his BNBF ‘mission’. Other eye catchers
were John Heaton and Michael Smith. John has a fantastically proportioned
upper body, with broad shoulders, small waist and finely etched mid-section,
complemented with an amazingly detailed and well developed back. John just
needs more thigh sweep to balance out his impressive torso - the quads are
well separated, they just need to be a touch bigger. Michael Smith has beautiful
aesthetic shape from most angles. However, on the day he looked lighter than
his showing at the Northern qualifier, without any discernible improvement
in fullness or condition. Later, it was revealed that Michael had suffered
quite severe dehydration backstage and so in the circumstances he did marvellously
well to make the evening show. Saul Schofield, Jimmy Millar and Alistair Grant
rounded out the class, providing some great potential if not the same level
of condition as the top four on the night.
Neil Andrews came out first in the evening and demonstrated to everyone that he can pose confidently and competently. Neil hit a variety of muscular shots that proved good enough to earn him a creditable 4th place. John Heaton gave a charismatic performance that combined creativity with well-timed muscular moves. John looked even better at night than during the day, which probably explains his obvious disappointment at being announced 3rd. John, just keep going, you’ve a great physique, which just needs a little more here and there (notably your legs) and you’ll be taking top honours. In reality, with a different panel of judges on a different day John might have taken this class – such was the quality of his physique and small margin between the top three athletes. Michael Smith had recuperated sufficiently from his post-prejudging nightmare to produce a routine of rhythmic elegance and classically choreographed posing. Michael’s execution of compulsory shots might not be the best but his routines are always imaginative, showing off his physique to its potential. On this occasion, this was good enough to secure 2nd place. First spot was taken by Gareth Cauldrey and was thoroughly deserved. He had the best combination of muscle size, separation and condition on the night. Gareth can still improve his free posing which seemed a little wooden – much like his walnut-carved glutes.
JUNIORS
On with the show and enter the juniors - a small line-up packed with incredible
quality and fantastic potential for the future. It’s easy to overlook
the fact that these guys are only 18-20 years of age because when that’s
factored into the equation these young men deserve the utmost respect for
what they’ve achieved! The pre-competition hype centred on the inevitable
showdown and rematch between Gary Hill and Liam Armstrong, with promising
youngster Tom Haywood making up the trio. During prejudging it was clear that
Liam was a little soft and that Gary was a few percent harder than his showing
in Aylesbury some weeks earlier. Tom Haywood was the softest of the trio and
the palest on stage, which did little to enhance his fantastic shape and enviable
balance. Tom has great potential and with more experience on stage, a deeper
tan and 10% better condition he will surely do very well. Gary and Liam went
pose for pose in a re-run of their battle in July, but on this occasion the
margin between them was bigger by virtue of Gary’s superior condition
and fine balance. Liam has a ton of muscle in all areas of his body: big quads,
hamstrings, calves, arms and barn-door shoulders. If anything he needs to
improve his back (both width and thickness) to balance out the rest of his
physique. In the evening, Liam entertained us with a propitiously mature free-posing
display. Whilst retaining his preference for powerful music, he choreographed
a polished and professionally constructed routine, and by way of acknowledging
this effort, delighted the audience with a bow as if to say “there you
go, I can do it!” Praise where it’s due. Gary Hill might be Liam’s
equal on stage in terms of charisma and exuberance, but he is undeniably his
antithesis in presentational style and execution. Posing to classically styled
music, Gary gave a rousing performance and came away with the reward of British
Junior Champion, an accolade with which he was truly delighted.
MASTERS OVER 60
Like the juniors, the Masters over 60 category had just three competitors.
First up was the ubiquitous Ted Clifton. Whenever I’ve turned up to
a show this year, Ted has been there, tanning up, chatting with everyone and
doing battle on stage. His boundless energy and enthusiasm for the sport really
show through and none more so that during the evening show, while performing
his routine. Eric Dowey, from Northern Ireland, is another natural bodybuilding
legend. At 67-68? years young Eric has an impressive physique with great hamstrings
and fine poise on stage. His routine was well constructed with effective transitions
and nicely timed shots. Well done Eric! Eric number two is the Daddy of the
bunch. At over 70 years young Eric Morris is still improving! Following the
qualifier in May Eric needed to improve his legs and began to ask around for
advice, which subsequently led to him beginning a programme of high rep squats.
Well Eric, it certainly worked because your quads were the most separated
in the line-up, and made the difference between first and second. All three
men did themselves proud with their routines, which were performed with style
and grace – you are credit to natural bodybuilding! 3rd place Ted Clifton,
2nd Eric Dowey and British over 60s Masters Champion Eric Morris.
MASTERS
Seven competitors graced the stage for the Masters under 60s class. From the
outset three great physiques stood out: reigning champion Rick Waters, young
pretender David Reid and dark horse Patrick Duffey (Ed note: didn’t
he used to be the ‘Man from Atlantis? Or was it ‘Bobby Ewing?’).
Ever the ‘professional’ Rick came in very hard as usual, with
fantastic skin tone, exemplary tan and his showpiece arms and legs: vascular;
well-separated; diamond hard. Rick is always smiling too, which is amazing
after so many weeks of dieting and something that us younger ones would do
well to note! In many ways, Rick was a clear winner, although it would prove
to be a tough battle for the lower placings. David Reid had improved since
the qualifier with marginally better legs and a much fuller looking upper-body,
especially his fantastic arms and ripped chest. The thing is, the better his
upper body looks the more it appears he must bring up his legs, so good is
his top half. Patrick Duffey had some of the best symmetry in the line-up
and great balance to boot. His legs were tremendously well-separated since
you could literally see the fibres shooting across his quads as he flexed.
Patrick also knows how to present his physique, which always helps, though
if his tan was more even I believe he’d look even better. Steve Mellows
once again presented an aesthetic package but was a little off compared with
his showing at the Northern qualifier. Steve acquitted himself very well in
this only his second BNBF show. Rounding out the line-up were John Chalmers,
George Kerr and David Jay. It’s been a long year and in some ways isn’t
surprising that some athletes looked better at their respective qualifiers
than here at the final. This point certainly applied to John Chalmers who
in his own words was ‘just pleased to be here’. John was a few
percent off his Northern showing, but nevertheless posed in style, further
demonstrating that his stage presence his improved immeasurably in the last
two years. Once again, George Kerr was at slightly less than his best. George
has a fantastic upper body and maybe needs to add a little more sweep to his
thighs in order to balance out his physique. Regardless of this, however,
he certainly enjoyed himself on stage. David Jay actually looked better than
at the Edinburgh qualifier and was notably improved for the evening show,
where he performed his routine to a rugged piece that complemented an array
of muscular shots. Fourth spot went to Steve Mellows and capped off a great
year for him. Third place was announced and David Reid looked bitterly disappointed,
as he’s entitled to be given the effort he’s put in over the last
few months. However, if he can improve his legs by just 5% he’ll be
up there challenging for 1st spot, let alone 2nd. Patrick Duffey received
a well-deserved second place, showing once again that a small man with great
proportions can upset many pre-competition predictions. Well done Patrick,
you certainly entertained everyone with “Live and Let Die”. There
was really only one winner from the moment Rick Waters stepped on stage, which
was subsequently confirmed as the presentations were made. Rick will now do
battle over in the US as a two-time BNBF Masters Champion.
LIGHTWEIGHT
MR
The lightweight class brought four athletes to the stage and a much anticipated
clash between Jason Barnett and Andrew Burrill. A different pairing, Edoardo
Cervoni and Tim Day, would eventually fight their own battle for third and
fourth spots since the first athletes were two of the most ripped on stage
on the day. Jason Barnett was in his lifetime best shape, surpassing his 1999
condition and possibly with extra fullness. Andrew Burrill managed to eclipse
the fantastic shape he brought to Edinburgh four months earlier with unbelievable
separation in his quads and abdominals. If faces tell a story, which I believe
they do, both Andrew and Jason looked like they’d been to hell and back.
It was obvious neither of these guys had taken any short cuts in their meticulous
preparation. As the judging unravelled it was clear that Andrew had superior
symmetry and might possibly be nudging ahead. The muscularity round, however,
was a different story. Nothing clear cut here. Andrew looked better from the
front: better thigh sweep, broader shoulders and well developed calves that
made it close in the double biceps and front lat-spread mandatories, though
Jason pushed Andrew hard in the former with those unstoppable arms. From the
side Jason’s thickness really did tell. His side chest shot and side
triceps made the most of his fantastic vascularity, separation across his
chest and neat hamstring sweep. It couldn’t be any closer. From the
rear Jason wiped out everyone with his impressively muscular back in the double
biceps, although his lack of calf development contrasted markedly with Andrew’s
fantastic legs. In the rear lat spread Jason had the thickness, but Andrew
had the width, as did Edoardo Cervoni with a tremendous taper. The abs and
thighs was Andrews best shot and left everyone trailing in his wake. While
all this was going on there was another emerging confrontation between Edoardo
and Tim, Ed. Edging Tim for condition and Tim edging Edoardo in the lower
body. It was close all round and final judgements couldn’t be made until
the evening show.
When Jason stepped on stage in the evening, it was clear he had upped his game. He was another 1-2 percent sharper than earlier in the day and full – fit to burst. His routine was graceful and performed with all the poise and experience he’s accrued over the years. Andrew, in contrast looked smoother by the same narrow margin – though we are talking ‘cat’s whiskers’ here. Andrew’s routine was a show stopper with a creative voice over and charismatic presentation. Edoardo gave a competent performance putting together some impressive muscular shots that really showed off his great upper body and incredible taper. He just needs more lower body development to balance out his physique. Tim on the other hand is very well balanced between upper and lower body, but needs to improve on his condition in order to move further up the order. His routine was performed with confidence, style and control, though chewing gum whilst posing is probably best avoided (Ed note: just a tip, Tim.). 4th spot was awarded to Edoardo Cervoni, 3rd place to Tim Day, 2nd place …. Andrew Burrill … and you could see the disappointment on his face another second spot for Andrew. However, achieving one’s lifetime best condition is nothing about which to be disappointed! They’ll be other shows and opportunities, keep going Andrew! When Jason was announced first he was elated and so he might be taking his first British lightweight title in the shape of his life. Well done Jason, you’ve realised a dream!
The incredible, three-times World WNBF Lightweight Champion, Dori Frame, performed this year’s guest spot. To say that Dori had energy is to grossly oversimplify the quality and creativity that permeated her performance. She gave a consummate display of posing with expertly choreographed transitions and finely constructed dance moves, presenting her champion physique to its very best. Dori’s phenomenal back development, broad shoulders and very tight waist meant that she looked superb in spite of being many weeks away from optimum contest condition. With similar flair and finesse she gave an expert demonstration of the compulsory poses, before sharing some very kind words of praise for the BNBF and the professionalism with which the show had been organised. Dori’s personality and warmth are undoubtedly as impressive as her sensational physique.
Classes don’t come any quirkier than this one: twins competing against each other. Caroline and Claire Oram might be difficult to tell apart but that was the task facing the judges in order to decide which ‘Oram’ would be crowned Miss Exercise. From the outset it was clear that Caroline had marginally better shape with broader shoulders and a waistline that was a smidgeon tighter and better toned than her almost identical sister. However, the gap between the women opened up when they performed their fitness routines in the evening. Caroline showed fantastic strength throughout her routine that incorporated some sophisticated gymnastic moves and outstanding choreography. She had set a high standard for Claire to attempt to match and she almost rose to the challenge with an equally impressive display of flexibility and athleticism. In the end though she was not quite as polished in her execution of strength moves and ultimately this key difference was sufficient to confirm her second place status. Well done to both women and special congratulations to Caroline for pulling off first place.
An array of talent graced the stage for the Miss Physique class that boasted a line-up of eight top class female athletes. During prejudging three athletes in particular seemed to stand out in terms of condition, balance and hard-earned muscularity. Sharon Clare was in phenomenal condition with great proportions and balance between upper and lower body. Her miniscule waist was accentuated from the rear by her incredibly broad back, producing a quite breathtaking taper. Add to that the fact that her triceps were cross-striated and it became abundantly clear that Sharon was in fantastic shape. Beata Pearson has great lines to her physique and such enviable balance that she is always likely to shine in any competitive line-up. This would prove no exception, although it was noticeable during prejudging that her condition was off, especially in the lower body where her quads, hamstrings and glutes were relatively soft compared to Sharon. Carol Streeter is a pocket dynamo. She has barn-door shoulders that are striated to the bone, cross-striated triceps, a fantastic back, chunky calves and extremely well developed thighs. She is in fact incredibly well proportioned, although perhaps a little less contoured (tapered) when matched against Sharon or Beata. What prejudging revealed is that where Beata had the shape, she did not possess enough condition. In contrast, Carol had supreme condition, but not quite Beata’s aesthetics, and though Sharon was less heavily muscled than either Beata or Carol she presented an outstanding package of muscular development, shape and incredible condition. Bodybuilding should, afterall, embrace a confluence of elements and in turn duly recognise the importance of balance between them.
With the exception of Nicola Wilson who possessed impressive condition, if not the same pristine symmetry as Sharon, Beata and Carol (but good enough to secure 4th spot), most of the rest of the class were considerably softer and some notably more so than at earlier qualifiers. Kirsty Kent with her appealing shape looked particularly impressive in all side shots although much like Jakki Law, who had also prevailed at an earlier qualifier, was also much softer than her best. These women will be back in the future, I’m sure, for they have considerable talent in this class if and when they reproduce their optimum condition. Mandie Grace shone during the evening show with an excellent routine that was delivered with confidence and imagaination. On the day she lacked essential condition, but nevertheless delighted the audience with her graceful transitions and fluent posing. The standard of female routines on the whole was pretty exceptional and all male athletes would do well to observe the attention to fine detail that most women invest in their evening performances. More of ‘Dorothy’ and less of the ‘Tin Man’ is the message, guys!
When it came down to the wire, the top three women produced stellar performances in the evening - none more so than Beata Pearson with an exceptionally well choreographed presentation. Ultimately, however, this wasn’t quite enough to win the day and Beata had to settle for 3rd. Carol Streeter claimed a well-earned 2nd spot and Sharon Clare stole the glory. Sharon has terrific potential and with time and maturity will, I’m sure, add a little more size and density to her marvellous frame. Well done Sharon and best wishes for your trip to the U.S..
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
If the Lightweight Mr Class produced a tremendous battle it had absolutely
nothing on the astonishing quality of middleweights. Reputations preceded
those competing, such was the quality of this line up: Marcel Apfel; Rob Carey;
Ben France; Vince Mwayi; Kerry Napier; Jason Rickaby and John Raferty dropping
down from the heavweights. Yet reputations would count for very little as
these men came to fight it out and as they assembled on stage a few interesting
pointers began to emerge. Marcel Apfel was nicely balanced but maybe not as
sharp as his previous best in Aylesbury in 2003, especially from the rear
where his lower back, glutes and hamstrings appeared a touch soft. Rob Carey’s
a tall guy, but boy does he get into shape, displaying one of the most impressive
mid-sections in the entire competition and cross-striated quads to boot. Rob
looked fantastic even if somewhat lighter in appearance due to his height.
At his best Ben France is phenomenal, but Sunday October the 3rd wasn’t
one of those days. Ben is lightly muscled middleweight who tends to rely upon
immaculate condition. So when he’s off, his fine proportions and incredible
detail are unfortunately obscured. Last year’s BNBF Novice Champion
would be battling for a lower placing this time around. Vince Mwayi is a genetic
phenomenon. The story with Vince is that he works 12 hour shifts, sometimes
eats only twice a day and yet in spite of this possesses, without question,
one of the most densely muscled physiques in natural bodybuilding today. While
he has yet to perfect his condition, from the outset it was obvious that his
upper body thickness and solid leg development would put him amongst the favourites
to win the class. Scottish middleweight winner Kerry Napier was a sharp as
a razor, symmetrical and carrying enough size to frighten the rest of the
line-up. Front to back Kerry stood out in this amazing class. Big shoulders,
impressive thigh sweep, steel cord hamstrings and a back that simply hangs
into a Christmas tree at the bottom. As we like to say in bodybuilding, Kerry
had the full-package on the day – (physically at least). Jason Rickaby
was at his life time best. His quads were some of the most separated in the
show and nicely balanced out with full-bellied hamstrings that looked especially
impressive from the side. His shoulders, chest and arms looked better than
ever with skin masquerading as cling-film stretched across his full, fit to
burst torso. Without question, Jason had the best mid-section of the entire
show and only Rob Carey could rival him in this department. John Rafferty,
better known as a heavyweight, found himself in the middleweight category
at this year’s finals. John looked big, for sure, displaying an impressive
taper down towards his great legs that were very well separated and heavily
muscled. If anything John looked a little off his best condition wise, which
wasn’t helped much by his tan that appeared a little pale.
As prejudging began to unravel it became apparent that Kerry was out on his own, that Marcel was a clear second, and that Vince and Jason were battling it out for 3rd and 4th places. The other guys looked great but were operating a notch or two below the main protagonists. Entering into the evening show there was everything to play for. Marcel demonstrated that his free posing has improved considerably as he performed a nicely constructed routine that showed his physique to its best, with marginally better condition than prejudging. Indeed this was to become the trend in this class, since Ben, Rob and Jason all looked a few percent tighter in the evening than earlier in the day. Ben and Jason’s improvements no doubt contributed to the overall impact of their finely choreographed routines and charismatic posing. At the end 4th spot was awarded to Jason Rickaby and 3rd spot to Vince Mwayi (Ed. Note Vince also won the bench press competition, pressing his bodyweight no less than 35 times!). On a different day these positions might have been reversed. However, Vince’s thickness won over Jason’s condition, and that’s all that can be said really because their physiques are at opposite ends of the bodybuilding continuum and never the twain shall meet. Marcel’s fine proportions and aesthetic shape were enough to secure 2nd spot and Kerry Napier became BNBF Middleweight Champion. Well done to everyone in an especially tough class and in particular to Kerry Napier as new champion (all that is necessary now Kerry is that you work on your posing!).
They are all tough classes at the BNBF finals and the heavyweight category would prove no exception. As eight determined men entered the stage, of different shapes, sizes and aesthetic proportions, it was clear that the judges would have yet another major headache. Leading them on, Michael Bell looked harder than he’s been in a couple of years, but still carrying fantastic balance between bodyparts and upper and lower body. Alongside Michael stood the imposing Campbell Brogan. Reports had it that Campbell had put his heart and soul into these finals in the knowledge that they might possibly be his final stage appearance. If that’s the case he certainly hadn’t held anything back, for he was at least 10% better than earlier in the year with tighter condition and legs which appeared to have been borrowed from someone else; such was the difference in size, quality and definition between the end of May and the beginning of October. Jon Clark was typically himself. Great shape, with an amazing shoulder to waist differential but with relatively weak quads, rounded out with impressive condition. Like Rick Waters, Jon knows how to smile and this really enhances his presentation. Gus Fisher wasn’t the Gus I saw back in June. This time he was smooth which seemed to emphasize further the imbalance between his massive upper body and notably weaker legs. Ian Munro looked as tight as ever, maybe lacking a little size compared with some of the more seasoned athletes but nevertheless imposing, with great detail in his legs and back. Chris Nsubuga looked like he’d entered the wrong class. He was so big that he made the others look like middleweights! He has some of the best proportions in natural bodybuilding because he’s massive almost everywhere. If Liam Armstrong’s shoulders are barn-door wide then Chris Nsubuga’s must represent an aircraft hanger, with his back the metaphorical equivalent of a 747’s jet wings. Chris was big and looked to be carrying decent condition too. Mark Ridgley and Jon Summers rounded out the line up. Mark has great legs and an impressive back, even though his overall symmetry is unlikely to rival the very best. Jon looked to be enjoying himself, but in reality was very smooth. Further comparisons during prejudging only served to confirm that Chris Nsubuga was out on his own and that the real contest was for 2nd, 3rd and 4th places.
While Campbell Brogan may have lost some ground in round one he came into the picture more as the compulsories unfolded. For sure, it was a tough battle between Campbell, Gus Fisher and Jon Clark. Campbell was in the shape of his life and this certainly made up for any perceived deficiencies in balance, proportion and/or symmetry. The longer prejudging continued the more apparent it was that Gus was some way off, especially from the rear where his soft lower back, glutes and hamstrings were notably exposed. Jon Clark’s shape undoubtedly gained favour in round one but his lack of leg development stifled any aspirations he might have had for a top three finish this time around. Still, Jon’s moment was to come during the evening show, when he performed one of the best routines of the night, by a male athlete. Like Chris Nsubuga out on his own, Michael Bell looked to be secure in second spot, free of the chasing pack. Michael is so well balanced with relatively even development between upper and lower body, great condition and few apparent weak points, it was difficult to see how he might be overtaken. On the other hand there was no possibility that he might take Chris, since Chris was too big for everyone on this day, even though his condition appeared to fade a little between prejudging and the evening show.
In the evening the heavyweight athletes presented some very
determined routines, with impressive most-muscular shots and some simply freaky
posing. Then, of course, it doesn’t come much freakier than Chris Nsubuga
adorning a huge red fuzz. Various images came to mind: Alistair and Crystal
Tips, The Hair Bear Bunch, Michael Jackson on acid …. and the list goes
on. Chris certainly made the audience laugh and then went a step further with
some exotic belly dancing. From judging a bodybuilding show there was this
sudden transformation where the judges were apparently transported to a female
night out with the ‘Chippendales’. Led by Chris, all the heavyweights
plunged into the audience to hit their best poses, greet their wives and flaunt
their stuff. As with all good times of course, the laugh invariably descends
into the cheesiest performance one can imagine. It was, nevertheless, all
in good fun … And so at the end of a very long and protracted pose-down
the following places were announced: Gus Fisher 4th, Campbell Brogan 3rd,
Michael Bell 2nd, and Chris Nsubuga 1st. Well done to everyone and Chris Nsubuga
- being crowned BNBF Heavweight Champion 2004.
The time had arrived for all class winners to return to the stage to contest the ‘WNBF Pro Card’, with a chance of competing this November in New York. Novice winner: Gareth Cauldrey; Junior Champion: Gary Hill; Masters over 60 Champion: Eric Morris; Masters Champion: Rick Waters, Lightweight Champion: Jason Barnett; Middleweight Champion: Kerry Napier and Heavweight Champion: Chris Nsubuga. Immediately, three athletes stood out and they were Jason Barnett, Kerry Napier and Chris Nsubuga. As comparisons were carried out front to back it was clear that Kerry was considerably harder than Chris, who in comparison looked relatively smooth. So in spite of Chris’s tremendous shape he appeared much too soft to challenge Kerry. While Jason was as hard, if not harder, than Kerry, his lack of calf development and relatively narrow structure effectively ruled him out of the reckoning. In the end it was close between Jason, Chris and Rick Waters, but further comparison only served to confirm what was missing in their physiques when positioned next to Kerry. As the poses were hit and the athletes were swapped around there could only be one winner …
KERRY NAPIER WNBF PRO joined by SHARON CLARE WNBF PRO.
Congratulations to them both!
Report by
Dean Garratt
