Pics by Guy. Click on names underlined to see photos.

 

Tue 30th May

Davie, Vicky, Rob and Guy flew down to Heathrow and then went to Rob’s house where we met his parents who were kind enough to put up with us invading there home for the night. Guy and Rob enjoyed eating Rob’s mum’s sweetbread which is a treat most of the BNBF judges have enjoyed in the past. Expectations at this point were high and we were all looking forward to starting the journey to Grand Cayman the next day.

 

Wed 31st May

We were up at around 6am and were all checking and double checking we had put everything in our bags that we needed. Robs dad got up to drive us to the airport and although we were leaving from terminal 4 we firstly went to terminal 1 to meet Nigel Davis ( we didn’t like to chance letting him find terminal 4 on his own who knows where he might have ended up). We met Brandon in the departure lounge at terminal 4 it was easy to spot Brandon as he had his team track-top on we looked every inch a team on a mission.

 

At last after all the preparation we were on our way. We had a twelve hour journey ahead but were looking forward to getting there and the competition so it didn’t seem so bad. Brandon ended up in business class and Vicky got 3 seats to herself so was able to sleep most of the way she did get up and give Davie the seats for the last few hours what a team player.

 

When we arrived we were met at the airport by Tiger Wilson the show promoter and Thorr a designated driver who proved to be invaluable throughout the days before the competition. We were taken to our apartment and we had to laugh when Thorr was concerned because it was raining, it was warm rain a bit different from the stuff we get in Britain. The apartment was awesome huge with two bedrooms two bathrooms a huge kitchen and living area and right on seven mile beach the view was incredible.

 

Thorr took us to the supermarket where we could buy supplies chicken, potato and water for those competing and tastier treats for those not dieting.

 

We spent the rest of the day just chilling out Rob and Guy went for a swim in the sea everyone else stayed indoors in the cool air-conditioning.

 

Thurs 1st June

Thorr picked everyone up and drove us to the hotel where the competitors were to get polygraphed and weigh in. Davie and Vicky both made lightweight and Brandon was Middleweight.

 

Tiger then took Rob to do a radio interview and Nigel and Guy went along to check out the venue. Tiger then drove them all to taste some of the islands culinary delights Jamaican pates and rum cake. Thorr dropped of Brandon and Davie and then took Vicky to make an appointment at the hairdressers then he took Vicky to the venue to check it out and meet some of the locals and last but not least took Vicky to meet his dog a 9month old pitbull. That evening the competitors stayed home while everyone else went out for some real food. Vicky, Davie and Brandon took this time to practice some posing.

 

Fri 2nd June

This always when reality sets in and the competition seems imminent. Vicky kept herself busy she was picked up early for a radio interview then taken to the salon for her hair and nail appointment an all round pampering while Davie and Brandon just got nervous in the apartment.

 

That night was the customary competitors meeting but this time it had a different agenda there were less competitors than expected and they asked if we would mind changing the classes into one Women’s class and two men’s classes rather than the scheduled 2 and 3. A few people complained but the majority voted for the change so Davie was still lightweight but would be competing against some of the middleweights and Brandon was heavy so would have some big boys to compete against.

 

This was also the first time we met up with Sharon Clare who was staying in the official hotel. When all the competitors get together they start to feel the pressure and the realization that everything they can do is done all they can do now is try and get some sleep and wait for their moment.

 

Sat 3rd June

Competition day. Everyone woke early and were happy with how they looked so we all set out for the venue in high spirits. We got to the venue at 9am for a 10am start however we were in the Caribbean so in true west indian fashion the competition started an hour late.
When the team got undressed back stage in was obvious they were the most conditioned athletes at the event. All of our competitors looked like winners and we had very high expectations.

 

The competition

Click on the names below for pics!

The judging started with the Pro men’s lightweight and David Hannah was the hardest on stage with full muscle bellies and loads of muscle packed on his small frame.Davies main threat seemed to be from Dave Goodin who although was not at his best is well balanced and very muscular. We firmly believed that Davie had got at least 2nd place as he was a better package than any of the others in the class. Most of the others were lacking in specific areas or were just too smooth.

 

Next was the heavyweight Pro men, Brandon Greenwood from the offset was right up there and it was obviously between him and local favorite Hugh Cottrell. Hugh was slightly bigger but Brandon was better from the back and harder then Hugh. Again we were looking at worst 2nd but we had Brandon just in first place. One of the other competitors looked impressive with a lot of muscle but lacked the condition to push Brandon or Hugh he looked 3rd

 

The last Pro class to be judges was the Pro Women. Vicky McCann was in the best condition in her class and although she has a small frame Vicky carried more quality muscle than the other Women in the class. Vicky was in top condition and had already beaten two of the leading Women at the Worlds in Nov when she was not quite as tight and neither of them had matched there World performance. The other girls lacked the defined muscle to match Vicky so it looked like a good win for her.. Sharon Clare was also in good condition and although light looked like she would get a 3rd place finish. Kristi Detrich was in good condition but could be described as slender, she lacked muscle especially in her arms and had little pec development but she had large breast implants which gave her a bit more shape in the symmetry round and made her look bigger than she actually was so it looked like she could scrape 2nd from Sharon. The only strange thing about this class was they did 5 comparisons for symmetry and only did 1 round of muscularity.

 

We all left the venue to head back to the apartment where we took some great photos by the pool. The competitors were all on a high with great expectations for the evening show and awards ceremony.

 

We headed back to the venue at 5.30pm the show was due to start at 6pm but again was late and started nearer 6.45pm but we couldn’t have cared we were looking forward to getting the results and partying afterwards.

 

The Pros were not on till after the interval so we all set together and watched the amateur competition some of the routines were incredible as were some of the physiques. The amateur men overall was won by Dail Davis who Nigel is claiming as some lost brother as there families are both from the same area in Jamaica. He was like Nigel and had an awesome physique he will make a good Pro.

 

After the interval the pros performed their routines. Sharon was first up and performed to a dance track which went down well with the audience she was followed by Vicky who cheated and used her routine from the Worlds but it was well received by the audience which was surprising as they seemed to like the more up tempo beats and hers was slow and emotional. Davie posed next and he is always great to watch he poses really well and his enjoyment is always apparent in his face he is a real performer. Brandon was last and did really well he forgot the end of his routine and just played to the audience which went down well.

 

The Results

Then came the results we all waited in anticipation. Vicky’s class was first up Sharon and Vicky were both in the top 5 as expected. Sharon was announced 5th which we all felt was harsh then Vicky was announced 4th this was a real shock and was accompanied by loud audience booing. Vicky looked shocked and as soon as the 1st place had been awarded her medal nearly walked off stage as she appeared shell shocked. The 3rd place and 2nd place went to the girls who she had beaten 6 months ago in the Worlds when she didn’t feel she was at her best, neither of them were in top competition condition. 1st went to Kristi who was in good condition but more like a figure girl than a bodybuilder.

Davie was next we were all just recovering from Vicky’s result when Davie was announced 5th we were horrified! The Canadian competitor with a big frame and lots of muscle was 4th but was not in the condition or as densely muscled as Davie 3rd went to a competitor who had little back width or density, he looked great from the front but was not complete and his condition was not bang on. 2nd we can’t remember and 1st went to Dave Goodin as expected.

 

With those results behind us what would Brandon get? Thankfully Brandon saved the day taking not only his class but the overall Mr Universe. Who ever won the heavy weight class was going to win the overall as Dave was not in his best condition but to watch a virtual novice take on such an experienced Pro and win was a joy to watch. Brandon battled hard and never let himself down once. Well done Brandon you were a star!!!!!!!!!

The overall Universe title goes to Britain again!!

 

Brandon is following in the famous footsteps of our unstoppable World champion Rob Hope!!

 

Vicky has still not recovered from the result despite so many people coming up to her apologizing and commiserating about her place. Vicky is still recieving e-mails from fellow competitors saying how shocked they were and that she was the clear winner of her class. Vicky is now retiring from competing with the WNBF due to a few thing not just this result but also the fact the Head judge had her placed 6th in Symmetry and 5th in muscularity, she feels she is not willing to put herself through the torture again and expense when the head judge will be the same person at the Worlds. The same judge also placed Davie 5th in Symmetry and 5th in Muscularity which Davie as an experienced judge feels is almost impossible as he by his own admission is weaker in symmetry than muscularity. Vicky and Davie both feel it is time to retire from competing in the WNBF as it stands and will compete elsewhere but still concentrate on running ,judging and doing there best for the BNBF. They will not however retire from competition and could be back on stage later this year.

 

We would like to say a massive thanks to Tiger & Susan Wilson for making us all feel so welcome and looking after all our needs. To Thorr for running us all round the island and for the numerous trips to the supermarket. To Mel for making sure we were ok and entertaining us. To Mikey Caymans masters champion and Dail Overall amateur champion for looking after us and to all at Powerhouse gym for making us so welcome. Lastly to the Cayman audience you were rocking!!!!

 

THANK YOU ALL

 

Some comparison shots of the Womens class from the official photographers web site click here for more pics check out www.miguelescalante.org