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Report by David Kaye

 

The Scottish marks the beginning of another competitive season, and exclusively the 10 year anniversary of the BNBF. It’s not only an extremely popular event, but uniquely special too – the competitive season begins and ends here in Glasgow. For the 3rd year, the prestigious S.E.C.C played host, a spectacular venue for what would be a spectacular show. Come game day, 48 competitors would contest this year’s championships, each and every one roared on by an electric audience.

The panel of judges for the day consisted of Olympia Masters Champion, Eric Dowey, BNBF Pro’s Raymond James and Chris Nsubuga, British Junior Champion, Andrew Chappell, Overall Scottish and British Novice Champion, David Kaye and BNBF Pro Davie Hannah assuming the position of head judge. As ever, the inimitable Vicky McCann took on the role of MC for the evening show.

 

Novice

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The first class of the day was also the biggest class of the day. 12 Novice competitors would do battle, each trying to emulate the success of Scottish Novice winners in recent years. Traditionally, the class provides the judges with a tough task and this year would be no exception. After an arduous pre-judging and action packed evening show, it was clear very little would separate the top places. In the end, the unique situation arose where the top 2 could not be separated on points, therefore the countback system was used to determine the winner.

1st place went to Mark Davidson. Mark caught the judges’ eye early, showcasing a well balanced, classical structure, polished off with good condition and a great tan. Mark’s best asset was his shoulder width which he displayed to the fullest during his time on stage. Mark should now focus on bringing up his quad sweep to match those wide shoulders and improve his symmetry further. Nevertheless, a great debut performance.

2nd place went to Richard Meiklejohn. Richard, like Mark, also made the most of great balance and a classical shape. Richard was a little slow to get going during pre-judging but quickly came into his own, especially during the evening show where he delivered a polished free posing routine. Richard had prepared well for this show- tight, full and dry, especially across the chest and abdominals. Richard clearly enjoyed his first experience of competition and pushed Mark all the way.

3rd place went to David Harper. David was undoubtedly the best conditioned competitor in the class and has made significant improvements since his debut as a junior in 2006. His upper body was fantastically detailed, showcasing striated muscle all over during his most-muscular pose. Unfortunately for David, like many tall competitors, his leg development was well down on that of his upper half and this affected his overall balance and symmetry badly. David should not feel disheartened from his 3rd place finish as his improvements have been notable, it’s just a case of achieving that balance.

In 4th place, and rounding off the trophy placings, was David Marshall. David displayed a thick, rugged physique with no shortage of muscle. His condition was great, especially in his lower half where he showcased some of the most detailed hamstrings I’ve ever seen! David was another who clearly enjoyed his time on stage and confirmed that with a poised free posing routine. David should look to polish up his compulsory poses for the future, where he had a tendency to get a little untidy.

Also competing: Kenny Taylor, a good performance from Kenny who wasn’t far away from cracking the top 4. Good condition in his upper body, big legs but lacking a little condition across the quads and needs to improve overall balance. Hugh Dickson, suffered from a poor tan during the pre-judging but rectified that for the evening show. Overall displayed nice balance but needs to be in better condition, especially in the legs. John Adams, seems to enjoy his time on stage very much. Good chest, but lacking in width and condition. Jason Burns, nice shape and balance with a big frame that just needs more muscle mass to fill it out. Lacking condition. Richard Connelly, strong legs but needs to bring up his upper half to match and improve on condition. Steven Gillespie, good balance and shape, just not in adequate condition. Greg McLellan, seemed to enjoy his time on stage, unfortunately condition was way off today. Greg Newport, lacked size and condition, should focus on bringing up his chest.

 

Teens

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Now in its 3rd year of existence, the teen class provides newcomers to the sport with a chance to compete outright in a class of their own, as opposed to jumping in with the junior class and its under 23 age limit. Although only 2 athletes contested the class today, the standard alone justified the addition of the class to the programme.
1st place went to Craig Nicol. For someone so young, Craig presented a very complete and polished physique indeed. Great condition, big arms, chiselled hamstrings combined with a fantastically detailed mid-section provided Craig with his first win in BNBF competition. Craig was slightly narrow in his back but this will likely sort itself out in years to come. An excellent introduction to the competitive scene.
2nd place went to Matthew Byers. Matthew displayed great shoulder width and big legs, all working together to achieve the sought after V-taper. Matthew lost out to Craig today on condition and presentation; condition in the quads and hamstrings and untidy posing with regards to presentation. Nonetheless, Matthew should be heartened from his performance as he demonstrated great potential for the future.

 

Juniors

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Since the extension of the age limit for the Junior category to under 23, the class can no longer be seen as merely a ‘stepping stone’ to the senior classes, but rather a hotly contested competition in its own right. In the end, 7 juniors would battle it out for top honours in a class that has traditionally produced outstanding winners from the Scottish qualifier.
1st place went to Gordon Greenhorn. Last year’s runner up sought vindication for his defeat by bringing a significantly improved package to the stage this year. The most heavily muscled in the class, Gordon had brought up his upper body mass to match his already strong legs to present a very nicely balanced package. Top that off with solid conditioning and posing, Gordon should look forward positively to the British Finals for a high placing.
2nd place went to Gordon Hunter. Whatever Gordon lost out in muscularity, he made up for in symmetry. Gordon possesses a fabulous structure; wide shoulders tapering down to a neat waist and completed with flaring quads. Add to that great condition and presentation, Gordon was unlucky not to take top honours today, he just couldn’t compete with the muscle mass of Gordon Greenhorn.
3rd place went to Anthony Burns. Anthony displayed a good degree of muscle for a junior, especially in his quads which were thick and sweeping. Anthony has good potential and should focus on bringing up his upper body mass to match his strong legs to achieve better overall balance. Anthony had a great time on stage and delivered an entertaining routine to the audience.
4th place went to Aiden Soltani. Aiden probably sported the widest back and shoulders of the class and his upper body looked great from every angle. Aiden was a little light in the legs and suffered badly from a poor tan. His condition was adequate but he should aim to come in harder for future competitions. Overall, great potential.
Also competing: James Wylie, Very well balanced and delivered a very polished routine. Just lacking condition in today’s company. Gerry McLaughlan, displayed good conditioning and balance, lost out on size today. Calum Macualey, good amount of muscle, especially across the arms and shoulders, topped off with a nice sweep to his quads. Just lacking in condition.

 

Masters o/50’s

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1st place went to George Kerr. Nicknamed ‘the razor’, George once again was in great condition in defending his title from last year. What really impressed me with George this year was the size he seems to have added to his physique, particularly in the width of his back. Add to that graceful posing, a fabulous tan and his now legendary headstand, George deservedly took home the 1st place trophy.

2nd place went to Ronald Cooney. Known as ‘the diamond’, Ronnie arrived on stage this year in superb condition. Cut to ribbons from every angle, Ronnie could not have done much more to prepare for this show, he just lacked the muscle mass that George possesses. Ronnie more than made up for his second place finish with a highly entertaining free posing routine in the guise of Freddie Mercury! Ronnie also took home the 1st place award for the 0/60’s class.

3rd place went to William Kirk. William presented a thick, rugged physique on stage today with generally good balance all round. William should look at improving his condition in the future to better showcase that muscularity. Suffered from a pale tan and poor posing.

Also competing: Ted Clifton, a familiar face within BNBF competition, Ted clearly loves his time on stage and entertained the crown with a great evening posing routine. On this occasion however, Ted lacked the required condition to place higher and suffered from a poor tan. John Oxford, Another who seemed to enjoy the competitive experience, just lacked the size and condition to crack the top three.

 

Miss Figure

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Always a popular class, 4 competitors would challenge for top honours this year, with some outstanding physiques on show.
In 1st place was Jana Zouzelkova. Jana looked the winner as soon as she stepped on stage. Beautiful tone, classical lines and jaw dropping abdominals were further complemented by an immaculate tan and poised presentation. Altogether a stunning debut with the BNBF. Jana must surely be a hot favourite for top honours at this year’s finals.

2nd place went to Elsa Gotteberg. Another competitor with superb poise, stage presence and an immaculate tan. Elsa seemed very comfortable on stage and showcased a very polished physique which was popular with the audience. Elsa’s legs slightly overpowered her upper half and if she can tighten them further should place very well at the finals later this year.

3rd place was awarded to Christine Gosman. Christine was one competitor who has made significant improvements from her outing last year. Great presentation and knock-out side poses elevated her into the 3rd place spot. Christine seemed to love every second she was on stage, and rightly so.

In 4th place was Sandra Caudwell. A first time competitor, Sandra did well to mix it up with the other girls. On this occasion however, Sandra was a little down on tone and condition and lacked confidence on stage. Nonetheless, Sandra presented herself well and should look forward to future competitions positively.

 

Guest Poser – Raymond James

After a short interval, the irrepressible Scottish crowd were forced into overdrive with a sensational guest spot from BNBF Pro Raymond James. A former Scottish Champion and popular guest star, Raymond possesses every conceivable quality in abundance when it comes to putting on a good show. Whether it be his crazy guns, ‘lights-out’ back double bicep, phenomenal abs or ultra thick wheels, there’s something for everyone with Raymond as your guest star. Add to that his infectious smile and now patented back-flip, the Scottish crowd knew they were being treated to something special. Raymond James, a true professional.

 

Masters o/40’s

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In 1st place was James Clacher. James displayed the best conditioning in the class and instantly caught the judges’ eye. His physique was rugged and muscular with an especially impressive back, yet also had great overall balance. What was even more remarkable about James’ performance was that he had torn his Achilles tendon 1 week prior to the show and required crutches to enter and exit the stage. Well worth the effort though and the supportive crowd made their appreciation known!

2nd place went to James Blyth. James has a very thick chest with good arm development to match. What separated him and James Clacher was condition, especially in the legs where he lacked detail, despite being well muscled. James should make improving condition his priority leading into this year’s finals.

3rd place was awarded to Anthony Wilson. Anthony boats a great shape with wide shoulders, back and a superb V-taper, and subsequently placed highly in the symmetry round. In this company, however, his condition was well off, preventing him from placing any higher. Definite potential for the finals though Anthony.

Rounding off 4th spot was Mark Johnstone. Mark had prepared well for this show with good conditioning and some nice upper body mass. His legs were slight in comparison and in turn his balance was somewhat off.

Also competing; Felix McAlinden, Felix came into the show this year fuller, yet at the expense of his usual rock hard conditioning. Felix needs to find that balance of condition and fullness which he will no doubt achieve before the competitive year is out. Alan Bowater, lacked condition on this occasion and had weak legs in comparison to a muscular upper body. Alan should also work on his posing for future competitions.

 

Lightweight Mr

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The lightweight class is always highly competitive, with the Scottish Qualifier traditionally producing a winning physique of excellent standard. With 6 competitors in the mix, this year would be no exception and set the tone for arguably the highlight class of the day.

In 1st place was Peter MacDougall. Last year’s novice runner-up returned to the stage this year with notable improvements. Peter was superbly conditioned, crisp and bone dry from every angle and showcased added thickness throughout his entire physique. His legs were fabulously detailed, especially in side poses and in turn earned him the ‘best wheels’ award. Peter was clearly elated to come out the victor in what was a highly competitive class.

2nd place went to Colin Richardson. Colin owned the symmetry round with his fantastic structure, wide capped delts tapering down to a neat mid-section, all set upon thick, flaring quads. Colin suffered badly, however, in the muscularity round where he could not compete with Peter’s superior conditioning. In addition, he seemed to have poor stage fitness and struggled to hold and execute his poses, with this trend continuing through to the evening show. Colin seemed disappointed with his placing but must consider his weaknesses on this occasion and look to reverse the placings at the finals to show his true potential.

In 3rd place was Andrew Williams. Sporting a thick, well muscled physique, Andrew fought hard to grab the 3rd spot in this class. Andrew has a tremendously dense back, yet his condition was just that bit down on Peter’s and struggled to compete with Colin’s structure. Nevertheless, Andrew gained momentum during the evening show and was rewarded with the ‘best presentation’ award.

Rounding off the top 4 placings was Jonny McDougall. Jonny displayed a heavily muscled physique with big, thick arms and topped this off with solid conditioning. Jonny’s downfall today lay with his posing, where he seemed to make himself look very narrow and failed to execute most poses properly.

Also competing; Morgan Dunn, impressive shoulder width combined with good conditioning. Lacking mass in the lower half and generally would benefit with added thickness all over. Christopher Flanagan, another familiar face to the BNBF circuit, Christopher was way off condition today and could have posed better.

 

Middleweight Mr

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Despite losing one competitor to the lightweight class, the middleweights gained another with a competitor dropping down from the heavyweight division. In the end only 2 competitors would contest the class, so all was to play for.

In 1st place was Alastair Holden. Alastair returned from his 3rd place finish in the novice class last year to take home the middleweight title. Improved from last year, Alastair boasts an impressive amount of muscle, good balance and incredibly thick abdominals. Alastair’s condition was quite a bit off from the standard required to be competitive at British level and should make improvements in the respect his priority.

Taking home the 2nd Place award was Tony Skelton. Last year’s heavyweight champion dropped down a category this year, and in turn demonstrated superior conditioning to his previous outing. Despite having the advantage in condition over Alastair, Tony just lacked the balance required to win, with his legs lagging a fair bit behind his upper half. Tony was also too pale throughout the day.

 

Heavyweight Mr

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1st place, David Ireogbu. Despite being the sole heavyweight contesting this year’s Championships, David was certainly not there merely to make up the numbers or win by default. A formidable sight, David possesses massive development, his physique armoured with thick, full muscle bellies coupled with sound overall shape and balance. David will not be overly surprised to hear that his condition was adequate, but not great and may be vulnerable at the finals if he fails to improve on this. Nevertheless, it’s hard to take much away from such an imposing physique.

 

Miss Physique

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Taking home the 1st place trophy was Layla Docherty. The Scottish figure champion from last year had decided to make the transition to the Physique class, and a successful transition it proved to be. Layla was in great condition, boasting fabulous detail in her upper half and great shape to her legs. Layla lacked a little back width in comparison to her sweeping quads and great shoulders and should focus on improving this going into the finals. Ever the entertainer, Layla also scooped the ‘best presentation’ award.

In 2nd place was Laura Young. Laura had only decided to contest these championships at the last minute, but the gamble certainly paid off as she secured an invite to the finals. Laura was understandably a little out of condition, yet her muscle mass, balance and flaring physique was already clear to see. Top that off with precise posing and Laura should fare well at the finals.

In 3rd place was defending champion, Carol Adams. Carol had improved on last year’s outing, but was just a little out massed on this occasion. Carol displayed nice conditioning, but suffered from a lack of width across her back and shoulders in this company. Nevertheless, Carol is an improving bodybuilder and should take heart from this performance.

 

Best Wheels

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Peter MacDougall

 

Best Female Presentation

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Layla Docherty

 

Best Male Presentation

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Andrew Williams

 

Overall Mr

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David Ireogbu

So for the final event of the evening, each and every class winner took to the stage to battle it out for the coveted title of Mr Scotland, 2009. After only a few rounds of compulsory posing, it was becoming apparent that the battle for the top spot would be between Lightweight winner, Peter MacDougall and Heavyweight champion, David Ireogbu. Each competitor presented strengths from opposite ends of the spectrum; Peter with his rock hard conditioning and grainy detail being pitted against the sheer mass, shape and unparalleled musculature of David. When the dust settled, it was evident that the imposing structure of David Ireogbu was just too much for the rest of the competitors today and he graciously accepted the title of Overall Mr Scotland 2009.

 

The Wrap Up

 

As the doors close on another successful Scottish Championships, another opens to mark the beginning of another BNBF Season. As we look forward to the next chapter in the competitive circuit, we should take a moment to reflect on those individuals who dedicate their time and energy to ensure that this show ran without a hitch. There are simply too many to mention, but you know who you are! If the remaining qualifiers can share even a hint of semblance to this one, it’s going to be one fine season. So from me to you, thank you and goodnight!