2009 IFPA Yorton Cup Pro World Championships & Amateur International

 

Photos at www.OCBphotos.PhotoReflect.com

 

Washington, D.C.

Report by David Kaye

 

For all concerned, the road to Washington had been a long one. With the culmination of the British Finals in September, 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 five 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. Our own Vicky McCann served as team leader, ensuring that each and every competitor’s needs were catered for and were all kept informed of the day’s events. 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 were our two longest serving and finest professionals : BNBF Chairman Vicky McCann and Nigel Davis. A most welcome addition to the team were ‘BNBF inductees’ Ben Tennessen 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!

 

Pro Men

Lightweight

Daz Cooper, 4th place.  From a relatively disappointing fourth place finish at the British Grand Prix, to an undeniably outstanding fourth place finish at a World Championships - what redemption the Yorton Cup had been for Daz Cooper.  Faced with the might of natural bodybuilding’s most ferocious competition, Daz ‘quadzilla’ Cooper had truly brought his finest form to Washington.  Daz emulated, or indeed arguably surpassed his granite conditioning of last year’s championships and combined this with definitive improvements to his shape and refinements to his posing.  As we’ve come to expect, Daz fought for every inch on stage and was as animated as ever, leaving nothing to chance – a true professional.  Well done Mr Cooper, you were an inspiration to many members of the British team and your continued support for the team throughout the trip was enjoyed and appreciated by all.

 

Davie Hannah, 5th place.  This was surely billed as the comeback of comebacks for Davie ‘the giant’ Killer’ Hannah.  Fresh from his British Grand Prix win, Davie was now ready to test his metal against the world’s best - and without question he delivered.  Davie simply looked sensational.  His condition could now only be considered as freaky and improved further from the Britain, his musculature fuller and etched with striations from head to toe.  Indeed the one they call the ‘man of stone’ looked exactly that.  Davie battled well on stage in what was a brutal pre-judging, and when the competitors finally left the stage the British team had assumed that Davie and Daz would occupy the 3rd and 4th spots, with either man fully deserving of either placing. In the end Davie was announced in 5th, and momentary disappointment was quickly replaced by a sense of achievement that Davie Hannah was back in the mix competing with the world’s elite. Congratulations on an incredible year, Davie.

 

Mick Battersby, 8th place.  One year on from his epic pro card win and Mick ‘most muscular’ Battersby was back in Washington, only this time to compete as a professional against the world’s best.  Mick was vastly improved from the British Grand Prix, his condition sizzled with every shot of that legendary most muscular.  In reality, Mick still lacked some conditioning in his lower half, and indeed at this level, the penalty was paid. Mick was unfortunate to miss the first call out, as when compared with those other athletes beside him, appeared a little too good in the company.  Nevertheless, Mick was on fine form and as ever entertained the British team to an excellent free posing routine and will forever be a popular member of the British team. Well done Mick on a very competitive outing.

 

Middleweight

 

Mark Claxton, 8th place. The 2010 season had been somewhat of a dream year for Mark, culminating in his overall win at the Britain Finals. Now five weeks on, Mark would bid farewell to amateur shores and test the turbulent waters of Pro level competition. It would be fair to say that the few days leading up to the show were a little unnerving for Mark, confessing that he did not feel as good as he had done for the British Finals. In reality, however, Mark was indeed just as good and come show day was able to showcase the crisp conditioning that saw him become overall British Champion.  Mark performed well on stage and conveyed no signs of nerves as he battled with the world’s elite, and ultimately an 8th place finish was a great result for an inaugural pro outing. Well done on your tremendous season, Mark.

 

Heavyweight

 

Chris Nsubuga, 4th place.  Chris ‘big fifty’ Nsubuga arrived in Washington this year with a point to prove. Coming off a second place finish at the British Grand Prix, Chris had vowed to be at his best for these World Championships, and no one can argue that he didn’t achieve that. Chris is big - he’s always big, yet on this occasion combined his imposing size with improved conditioning and greater muscular fullness. When ‘big fifty’ sparks up a pose, he’s hard to ignore, the sheer size of the man dominates most line up’s. This was, however, a World Championships and this was no ordinary line up, one that included last year’s champion Henry Graham of Jamaica. As the heavyweight competitors lined up on stage, it seemed that this was a two horse race between Graham and our own Chris Nsuguba. Chris arguably had the advantage in terms of shape and frame size, whereas Graham was undoubtedly the more muscular and dense of the two. Prejudging concluded with speculation amongst the British camp that Chris would likely take the runner up spot. Needless to say, as Chris’ name was announced in 4th place, a sense of shock and confusion permeated through the British team. In the face of bitter disappointment, Chris was the consummate professional and accepted his award graciously. An unlucky result Chris, but a tremendous performance nevertheless.

 

Pro Women

 

Lightweight

 

Jane Carter, 5th place. This year’s championships saw a return to the pro stage for Jane Carter. From the outset, Jane had made her ambitions and determination clear – she had come here to compete, and compete with the best. The reality was, however, that Jane would find herself immersed in one of the toughest physique classes I have ever seen, spearheaded by two giants of women’s natural bodybuilding, Patricia Beckman and 2 time champion, Dianne Brown. In the end, Beckman would emerge the victor and end Brown’s undefeated reign.  For Jane, 5th place was a fair result, although she was perhaps a little unlucky not to secure 4th.  Jane had improved on her condition from the Britain, but amongst such quality company just lacked the necessary size to compete for top honours. All in all, a great comeback year Jane, best of luck for future competitive outings.

 

Amateur Men

 

Lawrence King, 2nd place Open Men, Middle class. This was to be Lawrence’s first taste of international competition, and there’s no question that in this environment he thrived.  Lawrence had done well to replicate his sparkling condition from the British Finals, and walked on stage in Washington in razor sharp shape. It was apparent from the outset that condition would be the deciding factor of the day, with Lawrence and eventual overall winner, Jareff Calady of the U.S, both presenting significantly harder physiques than the rest of the class. In the end, Lawrence just lost out to a more muscular athlete, although by all accounts was not far away from securing a win.  It’s been a fabulous year Lawrence and there’s no better way to top it off than mixing it with the best at international level.  Congratulations.

 

Amateur Women

 

Hollie Walcott, 1st place Open Women, Short class.  In a fashion similar to that of last year, it seemed only fitting that the last British competitor on stage would deliver the highest team placing. As soon as Hollie stepped on stage for pre-judging, the team were in no doubt that she would be victorious and on this day she was a class apart from her rivals.  Hollie was in great shape for these championships, showcasing further improvements from the British finals, not only in terms of condition and shape, but also in posing, poise and stage presence. Her presentation was immaculate.  Fuelled from the excitement of a class win, the final test for Hollie saw her compete against fellow class winners vying for a Pro-card in the overall.  In such outstanding company, Hollie did find it tough, nevertheless, there’s no doubting that this was a fine performance from Hollie. Congratulations on a fabulous debut year!

 

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 day of competition backstage, organising competitors and ensuring that the show ran as smoothly as possible. I’m sure all competitors would agree it’s nice to see that familiar face backstage! Cheers Action, you’re a very popular addition to the IFPA indeed!

 

Our Judges

 

Finally, thanks must go to the British Judges: Vicky McCann, Nigel Davis and not forgetting Chipper Tennessen. Our judges ensured that all Britons were provided with ample opportunity to be judged fairly on stage. Thanks Vicky, Nigel and Chipper, 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 2010, the BNBF British Team, once again, really did triumph in Washington.

David Kaye