2009 IFPA Yorton Cup Pro World Championships & Amateur International

Washington, D.C.

Report by David Kaye

 

For all concerned, the road to Washington has been a long one. With the culmination of the British Finals in October, the BNBF had, for now, closed its doors on domestic competition and for the majority attentions were now firmly fixed on relaxation and reflection on the years’ efforts. Yet six weeks on, the chosen few who represent the pinnacle of British Natural Bodybuilding, would wholeheartedly accept the honour of leading the British charge across the Atlantic to compete on the biggest natural bodybuilding Stage on Earth – the IFPA Yorton Cup.
From every corner of the nation, our competitors arrived in the U.S Capital with one common goal; to serve our country proud in the face of formidable competition. Reputations count for little at this level, and the mighty power of team camaraderie greatly super seeds the status of any individual. As our team members arrived at the host hotel, proudly clothed in our national colours, the team bond was already firmly etched, almost tangible, with each and every competitor honoured to be part of such a spirited team. Faces were drawn and weary, but eyes were bright, fuelled with the drive to show the world what the best of British natural bodybuilding has to offer.
The final days which preceded the competition manifested quickly into a blurred collage of posing practice, nutritional advice, peer support and in many cases soul searching. Competitors darted to and from hotel rooms, on hand to offer any last minute support to fellow Britons. Nigel Davis played host to his infamous posing sessions, and although at times taxing, ensured that every BNBF competitor would showcase their physique on stage to perfection. The diet guru himself, Guy Addison, was on call at all times. He really is the master of competition timing, tweaking water and carbohydrate intake on almost an hourly basis as he endeavoured to have everyone looking their potential best.   As the days drew in, each and every team member was now firmly in the knowledge that when all is said and done, only one endeavour really remained – to take to the stage and do battle.  
Representing the nation on the judging panel was a collection of our finest professionals : BNBF Pro’s Kerry Napier, Nigel Davis and Chris Nsubuga. A most welcome addition to the team were ‘BNBF inductees’ Ben Tenneson and his wife Chipper. The presence of another outstanding world champion alone was enough to inspire the team into action.  So without delay, may the competition commence!

Friday, 13th November
Pro Women, Figure
Jenny Garside, 3rd Place and winner of Best Presentation Award

Fast forward to Friday evening, and British spirits rested in the hands of our own Jenny Garside. Whether anyone admitted to it or not, the fate of the entire team seemed to hang in the balance whilst Jenny battled on stage. Essentially, a great result would inspire the GB team to unimaginable heights, yet perhaps an unfair one would crush the hopes of many. Alas, as the entire line up of Figure professionals were ushered on stage, it was clear that on this day, Jenny was undoubtedly one of the frontrunners.
 Despite a poor first call out, Jenny presented herself immaculately on stage, and to an increasing chorus of British applause, twisted and turned her polished physique with the passion and grace of a British champion. Onward to the T-Walk and Jenny literally was in a class of her own. A fine combination of confidence, poise and precision ensured Jenny the Best Presentation Award and had the entire British team on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the final placings – was she on the cusp of a World title? In the end Jenny’s name was announced in 3rd place, and whilst we thought this was a little harsh, the vision of Jenny smiling with her trophy and medal draped around her neck, promptly reminded the British team of the magnitude of this achievement. Well done Jenny.
As Friday’s competition came to a close, the team, accompanied by a beaming Jenny Garside, retired to the hotel looking onward to Saturday’s competition with a true sense of belonging. Yet perhaps more significantly , we held an increasing sense that more silverware was forthcoming for Team GB.

Saturday, 14th November
Pro Women, Bodybuilding
Vicky McCann, 2nd Place Lightweight women

It seems only fitting that the day’s competition was spearheaded by an iconic performance from Vicky McCann. Tensions backstage and in the auditorium were reaching fever pitch in the build up to the first class of the day, and with that set the tone for an amazing spectacle of female bodybuilding.  From the very second Vicky took to the stage she exuded confidence, content in the knowledge that she was in her life-time best shape. From the outset it was evident that Vicky was in the hunt for top honours, her toughest competition coming from the formidable, and as yet undefeated, Dianne Brown of the USA. Pose after pose and round after round, little could split these two incredible competitors and with the conclusion of pre-judging, the entire BNBF Team prayed that on this day the dice of luck would roll in Vicky’s favour. Perhaps more significantly, it was also appearing more and more likely that the victor of this class would also emerge the victor in the overall showdown.  Could the rock hard condition that Vicky displayed topple the incredible musculature and fullness of the American?
 With the completion of the free posing routines, the top 5 contestants were summoned back to the stage for final placing. In the end, as expected, only two figures were left standing on stage and those in attendance were left drenched with anxiety in anticipation of the result. With the announcement of 2nd place, a smile of resignation spread across Vicky’s face, the bittersweet ending to an otherwise momentous performance. Any disappointment Vicky may have felt was quickly substituted with a sense of fulfilment, content in the knowledge that she is undeniably one of the world’s best natural bodybuilders. And as the news of Vicky’s result filtered backstage, it served as an inspiration for those team members waiting apprehensively for their own time in the limelight.

Dawn Roberts, 6th Place Lightweight women

Dawn, without question, excelled on her debut outing as a professional. On this grand stage, she only narrowly missed out on a top 5 placing and the collection of silverware. She had held her condition well from the BNBF finals and fought tooth and nail during her time on stage. Dawn was the professional through and through and the epitome of what it means to be a ‘team player’, offering many words of encouragement to fellow competitors and never for a moment did she waiver on stage. I know that on the day Dawn would have loved to have cracked the top five, but in such illustrious company this was indeed a tall order. At times, when positioned next to the leading competitors, Dawn just lacked the real muscular density which is required to be more competitive at this level. Nevertheless, knowing the determined lady that Dawn is, this performance will serve only as further motivation for future competitive outings as a Pro. Dawn’s performance was enjoyed greatly by all members of the BNBF Team, perhaps none more so than her husband, Dave, who undeniably offered the loudest support of us all! Well done Dawn, what a way to cap off a fantastic year.

Annie Ottey, 6th Place Heavyweight women

 

Moving on from the lightweight women, the heavyweights were the next to be invited to the stage, with our own Annie Ottey and Rachel Hayes testing their metal against the world’s best. Only narrowly missing the top five, was Annie in sixth. I feel Annie performed very well this year, commanding the stage with a tremendous presence and one of the biggest frames in the class, all combined with confident, precise posing. One of Annie’s real strengths is her fantastic shoulder width and wide, flaring lats which look very impressive on stage. Her condition was also notable, with fine detail evident throughout her entire physique. Annie was, on this occasion, simply outmuscled by those competitors placed above her and in comparison to the winner just needs more muscle to fill out her impressive frame. As ever, Annie was a gracious team member and did herself, her husband Lee and the British team proud on this outing. Well done Annie.
Rachel Hayes, 8th Place Heavyweight women
Rachel is another competitor who epitomises the notion of being a ‘team player’. From the minute she bonded with the team, her irrepressible and upbeat attitude infected almost everybody with a true sense of belonging. I do know that Rachel had intended on competing at this show purely as a means to get her professional bodybuilding career up and running again, and as such was not quite in the usual rock hard condition that we have come to know her for. Nevertheless, Rachel conducted herself both on and off stage immaculately, as a true professional would, and despite a disappointing placing in her eyes, was an invaluable asset to the British team. Whether she knows it or not, Rachel inspired confidence in quite a few individuals of the British Team. Thanks Rachel, you’re a star.

Amateur Women
Ann Gardner, 3rd place Women’s Tall class

Following on from the frenzy of the Pro women, the amateur competitors were now offered their chance to shine on stage. Our sole representative in this contest was Ann Gardner. On arguably the biggest stage of her career, Anne delivered her best performance. Her presentation was dramatically improved from the BNBF Finals only six weeks prior and she conducted herself beautifully onstage – full of smiles, confidence and a determination to win. Ann is, as we know, impressive in her muscularity and when combined with such improved presentation, was always going to be in the hunt for some silverware. In the end, Anne earned herself a well deserved 3rd place finish, along with a medal and trophy - a fine way indeed to cap off her competitive year. Congratulations Ann.

Pro Men

Our women had served us proud, rightly cementing their place in the top tier of world natural bodybuilding. Now it was time for our men to emulate such success, and go toe to toe with the best of the best.

Daz Cooper, 4th Place Lightweight men

This was the finest, most complete physique that Daz Cooper has assembled yet, certainly the best that I’ve ever seen. Who would have thought that in the same year in which he wins his pro card, he would save the very best until last?! Rumours had been circulating for days that Daz’ condition was spectacular, and there’s no question that he lived up to his billing. The creator of our ‘CNP Wee Man’ had planned on bringing more to the stage than just smiles and a mascot. In truth, Daz was bigger, fuller and harder than I’ve ever seen him before and ultimately this would prove to serve him well in such ferocious company. From the outset, Daz conducted himself like a true professional on stage -  determined and passionate  - fighting all the way to a very commendable 4th place finish in what was one of the most savage line up’s that I’ve ever seen. Condition was key here, and Daz was able to mix it with the best of them. Congratulations Mr Cooper, it’s been quite a year!

Barry Cunliffe, 11th place Lightweight men

I doubt Barry could have faced any tougher a field in his pro debut than the monsters he had to face on Saturday night. It must have been quite a shock for him to find out the weight capping for the Lightweight men roughly equated to our own BNBF Heavyweight entry mark! Nevertheless, undaunted and unfazed, Barry performed in Washington with the same fire and enthusiasm that earned him pro status in the first place, relishing in his first taste of pro competition. If I were to be critical, Barry’s condition, whilst still solid, was just marginally down the granite look he had achieved at the Finals. Subsequently, when combined with the massive weight differential he was giving away to fellow competitors, Barry was always going to find it tough in this company. Irrelevant of his placing, Barry’s ‘no-nonsense’ attitude afterwards spoke volumes about his character and demonstrated a true desire to achieve greater things in future competitions.

Raymond James, 4th Place Middleweight men

Few could argue that this was the most supreme Raymond James to ever step foot on stage, and indeed that in itself tells a story. In such an outstanding line up, 4th place is truly a remarkable performance, one brought about by the relentless drive and determination of a seasoned pro. The middleweight line up was just scary, pure and simple. Prior to stepping on stage I distinctly recall dashing backstage to give Raymond any last words of encouragement, only to find him engulfed in a room of gargantuan mass, wherein every which way you turned, you came face to face with a genetic freak.
In the end, it mattered not and true quality, condition and superior symmetry triumphed over sheer mass.  Raymond was utterly shredded, full, dry, and on top of his game. His back double bicep pose is without question one of the best in the business. Even when standing toe to toe with the eventual Overall winner, Doug Miller of the USA, Raymond stood firm and held his own. This was one tough line up! Needless to say, British team support during his stint on stage was epic and I’m pretty sure that the entire auditorium marvelled at his free-posing routine, complete with the now customary back-flip. As the top 5 competitors were ushered back on stage for their final placing, speculation arose from the team as to his placing. In the end, Raymond landed only one place short of a cash reward, yet in doing so, had given the greatest performance of his life. Well done Raymond James!

Amateur Men

By now, the day’s competition had run long into the evening, yet our amateur competitors had rested patiently, eager for their time on stage. And as events unfolded, it proved to be a spectacle worth waiting for.

Mick Battersby, 2nd Place and Pro card winner, Open Middle Class

In spite of the incredible performances given by our team members, this one has to the most special of all. Few people are aware of the testing journey Mick has undertaken in getting to Washington in such incredible shape. Faced with an almost debilitating back injury, Mick had considered himself fortunate just to be competing on stage at all this year, let alone did he ever imagine that he would finish the season on such an incredible high. Irrelevant of such opposition, Mick never once complained, backed down or accepted defeat. A disappointing finish at this year’s finals would see Mick travel across the Atlantic in search of just one more competitive stage, upon which he could demonstrate his true pedigree, and display the physique we all know he has.
Fast forward to Saturday evening and Mick was on stage in full force. This time the diet had been right, his condition sizzled with every movement and his physique positively erupted with fullness. Pose after pose, Mick delivered a lesson to everyone in attendance that night on how to perform on stage. Never for one second did Mick slack off, become complacent or show fatigue – he was resolute in the face of formidable opposition. In fact, he was unstoppable.  As his opponents began to weaken and tumble all around him, Mick continued to stand strong execute every pose as if there was no tomorrow! With the close of pre-judging, it was clear that Mick was in the top 2, although we has all accepted that 1st place was almost inevitably going to be awarded to the colossus known as Butch Washington from the USA. This giant of a man was irrefutably the biggest bodybuilder ever seen on a natural stage! His sheer size drained the confidence of others, yet somehow, he didn’t faze Mick, who simply responded to his presence with a smile, a ‘thumbs-up’ and a legendary most muscular to boot!
With 2nd place confirmed, speculation began to spread around the team that 2 pro-cards were now on offer in the amateur division, with the top 2 competitors from each class going head to head in the overall in battle for the coveted honour. By now, the atmosphere within the British camp was positively electric. Could Mick do it? Could he become our newest BNBF Pro right here on the biggest stage of them all? With the progression of the overall judging, a sense of ‘deja vu’ began to permeate from the stage. In 1st would inevitably again be big Butch Washington, and in 2nd _ it just had to be Mick Battersby. He was like dynamite on stage, exploding into poses at every opportunity, never resting, and relentless throughout. The team were in hysterics, shouting from the rafters, now in the knowledge that it was becoming ever more a reality that the Scotsman was merely inches away from grabbing that 2nd pro card. Mick just couldn’t have given any more.  As the competitors were ushered off stage, we all stood with our hearts in our mouths, praying that we would hear Mick’s name just one more time. And on this day our prayers were answered. The roar of the British team erupted from deep within the auditorium and in unison Mick came bounding onto the stage from behind the curtain, arms aloft pumping his fists towards to the sky. In that moment, Mick was a vision of ecstasy on stage. In truth, the wave of team euphoria was unlikely to fade out either. Congratulations Mick on a well deserved result.

 
Robert Waterhouse, 6th Place, Open Middle Class

This has been a very long competitive year for Robert indeed, and what better way to cap it off than to compete on the biggest stage in the natural bodybuilding world. The culmination of a fine year’s efforts saw Robert pitted against some outstanding competition and had to fight with true grit and determination to secure a 6th place finish. In hindsight it was unfortunate that both Robert and Mick were placed in the same class, in the sense that one placing is already given up to a fellow Brit before the contest even begins! Nevertheless, Rob carried himself on stage with the polished professionalism that fellow team members had done before him and gave his all, executing his poses with pin point precision. Not bad for his first competitive season out of the Juniors! I know Robert would agree that his condition was slightly down on the razor sharp physique he had displayed at the BNBF Finals in October, no doubt an inevitable result of a long, hard competitive season. Nonetheless, he was still sharp, his legs in particular being an impressive asset. Performances aside, Robert was a fabulous addition to the British Team; enthusiastic, selfless, motivational and as ever determined to improve his physique further. You’ve had a great year Rob, and I’m sure you’ll have many more.

Lee Ottey, 3rd Place, Masters O’40 Class

This was likely the best performance of the year from Lee. In his tightest condition yet, Lee performed admirably amongst a quality field, securing a creditable 3rd place finish. He had arrived in Washington ready to compete, hard, full and dry. On stage, Lee battled with passion, the advice of a certain Nigel Davis no doubt ringing in his head. Throughout the entire trip, Lee made himself a valuable addition to the British Team, offering a helping hand wherever possible and ensuring that all competitors were well catered for. Thanks Lee.

***

So with the crowning of Mick Battersby as the newest IFPA Pro, the British team, still buzzing with excitement, ventured back to the hotel for a well earned feed, courtesy of Chipper Tenneson’s much appreciated persistence when ordering in! The atmosphere was incredible, new friendships had been forged, existing ones solidified, the moment captured forever on film with a timeless team photograph.

Special Thanks
First and Foremost Vicky McCann & Guy Addison

Sitting at the helm of the BNBF, this trip just would not have been possible without them. I’m confident that all will join me in thanking Vicky and Guy for making the dream a reality for so many.

Andrew ‘Action’ Jackson

Our ‘International expeditor’ was in full force in Washington, spending the entire two days of competition backstage, organising competitors and ensuring that the show ran as smoothly as possible. And, from what I’m told, was a very popular addition to the IFPA indeed!

Our Judges

Finally, thanks must go to the British Judges: Kerry Napier, Nigel Davis and Chris Nsubuga. Perhaps though, Kerry in particular does deserve a special mention for the continued support he had given to the team. After rescuing the judging panel from virtual numerical disaster on Friday evening, Kerry ensured that all Britons were provided with ample opportunity to be judged fairly on stage. Thanks Kerry, your hard work and focus was greatly appreciated by all.

Homeward Bound

 

As the sun rose for yet another day in the US Capital, it was time for the British Team to finally part ways and embark on the reflective journey homeward. For now, we would go our separate ways, some moving onward to enjoy the sights of foreign cities, others with plans of returning quickly to the normality of life at home.  In all, it had been a story of overwhelming success, both on and off the stage. Lasting memories had been created, times never to be forgotten, and with a smile, hug or handshake, we said our fair well’s. In 2009, the BNBF British Team really did triumph in Washington.
David Kaye