The BNBF British Finals is always an incredible spectacle of natural muscle, this year the venue itself was as much spectacle. The Echo Arena on Liverpool’s dockside really was a venue befitting such awesome talent and was appreciated by competitors and spectators alike. With around 140 athletes all having qualified to be there the feeling beforehand was truly electric. From the nervous faces at check in & polygraph testing to the fever pitched excitement backstage as the event started to unfold everyone could feel the tension. The lighting and sound was up to the usual BNBF standard and showcased the athletes perfectly. The team of volunteers who make the BNBF what it is were all in place making sure everything was smooth and easy for the competitors. And so it began!! The first class was the ever young Over 70s. This year brought the biggest ever line up of 5 in this highly respected class. The first 2 places were the toughest to split for the judges with Jim Bennie eventually taking a deserving 1st place. Jim had the slightly fuller muscle bellies with good detail especially in legs. He posed well and his fun routine was well received by an enthusiastic audience. 2nd was Eric Dowey, Eric was in good condition but a little flatter than Jim in the shoulders and pecs, as always Eric’s evening routine was emotional and exquisite to watch. 3rd was Michael Harrandance who had a good level of conditioning and muscle definition but not enough size to challenge the top 2 at the moment! 4th was Ted Clifton who was better than we have seen him for a while but just a bit work to do on condition to be more competitive. 5th place went to Roger Thomas who needs to work hard on his posing. Well done one and all! Next was the Over 60s Again on this occasion a 2 way challenge between Richard Hooley and Lloyd Steward almost a question of condition Vs size. Richard seems to be getting better every year and this was definitely the best package he has brought to the stage to date. A well balanced physique Richard managed to pip 1st place from a massive Lloyd Stewart. Lloyd has a ton of muscle but didn’t quite have the condition that we have seen from him previously. It was a very tight competition and Lioyd took 2nd place and an invite to Miami world finals to challenge Richard all over again. 3rd was Jeff Lunn, Jeff looked better than at the qualifier bringing a more conditioned physique but just didn’t have the size to challenge the top 2. 4th was John Morgan Jones, John is a great entertainer with a fun routine but to really be competitive John needs to come in harder. John has a thick muscular physique but his condition didn’t do it justice. The over 50s was as expected a very high standard throughout. The eventual 1st place went to Robert Rodney who presented a fantastic asthetic physique. Robert has great full muscle bellies and skin tone that belies his years. Robert performed a great posing routine but could tidy up the compulsories a little especially if he is to step up to the masters Pro ranks! 2nd was a strong Trace Collier, Trace has great legs and is well muscled aesthetic physique but on this occasion lacked a little of the razor sharp condition that he presented at the qualifier to take 1st place. Trace did however look much better in the evening and had fantastic support, a great 1st year with the BNBF. 3rd was Rick Waters who is always in great condition is a tough competitor to beat with good musculature and top condition. Rick does pose awkwardly at times which seems to cost him in final placings. 4th went to Gary Ebanks, this was definitely the best Gary Ebanks we have seen to date, he was sharp, muscular with a very pleasing look. Gary lacked a little in the legs but pushed 3rd place very hard. A bit more in the legs and he will climb the rankings easily. In 5th place Dave Driscall was very muscular and well conditioned but lacked a bit separation appearing cloudy in areas. Dave lacks a little leg size in comparison to his upper body. 6th was Denton Wilson who was just not quite sharp enough on this outing but his evening routine as always was appreciated by the audience. Also competing Charlie McKee who needs to balance up his legs with an impressive upper body. Bryn Norman who was delighted to be involved but still needs to reach a much higher level of conditioning to be really competitive. Roy Vaughan who has plenty of muscle but didn’t have the condition to show it off. Geoff Barron who was in great condition but a bit flat and still needs to improve posing. A great over 50’s class. Last of the Masters classes was the Over 40s This class was very open for the top 3 places with argument for it to go anyway. Taking the top spot was Ben Scrivens who wasnt as hard as Mark Miller and lacked the leg detail of Gareth Cauldrey but had a well balanced physique with a great wide back and very aesthetic look. He seemed to have the best balance of size shape and condition to take that 1st place win. 2nd was Gareth Cauldrey who without a doubt had the best legs in the class but his strong legs seem to accentuate the imbalance and weakness in his upper body especially the pecs. Gareth also poses to show condition rather than shape which tends to make him look awkward at times. 3rd was a very sharp Mark Millar, Mark was well in the running and at the prejudging was very strong with a muscular balanced physique. Mark did however look bloated in the evening and when things are so tight this can make all the difference. 4th was Nick Openshaw with his large imposing frame and great condition gave a good showing at this years finals. Nick was tight and muscular but possibly a bit flat to place higher this time. Wayne Tainton has a good balance of shape and muscularity but needed to be harder to really show his physique off to its best, he took 5th place this time. 6th place went to Jon Bellis like Wayne Jon has a lot to offer bit didn’t bring it this time, Jon could be very competitive if he comes in harder. He did look better in the evening show. Also competing Pete Gawtry who was in good condition and muscular but he posed very awkwardly costing him that 6th place. Chris Redman was better from front than back, conditioned but a bit flat. Andrew Lee Davies just needs to keep going he lacked the size to be competitive at this level. Pete Sampson, Pete was not at his best he just needs to get his foot on the gas and start raising his game for next time out. Miss Physique 1st place after a tough battle went to Dianne Cuthbert, Diane was the most muscular and hardest in the class. Dianne needs to keep improving her posing as this almost cost her the 1st place. Dianne’s routine was better than previous outing! 2nd was Cleo Woodall, Cleo was muscular and had good conditioning in her upper body. Cleo is flashier when posing than Dianne but lacked the lower body condition to take the class. 3rd Kathy Preece was not quite as impressive as at her qualifier she seemed to have lost detail in her legs. A good outing and good to see more fullness than previous year. 4th Tsuki Harris, Tsuki is quite animated and draws attention with reasonably strong legs which unfortunately lack condition in comparison Tsuki’s upper body. Tsuki was in good condition but lacked a little muscle to really push the top 3. 5th Eve Cook and 6th Sonya Jones both lacked condition this time out to really show their muscular physiques to their best. Teens The teen class seems to get stronger every year and this was no exception. There was very little spliting top 5. The winner on this occasion was Steven McDonald, he has great balance with a wide back and sharp abs, Steven just needs a bit more leg size to be even more complete. Steven a smile and a better tan would have helped finish a very good package. Steven was lucky that on this occassion the 2nd place was not in good enough condition. Tyler Cook has fantastic balance a big frame and well muscled, Tyler poses well and would have been a real threat to the winner had he been in better condition. 3rd was Armander Ivanauskas, a great teen with good condition and a lot of well detailed muscle, he was really outdone on his overall balance and presentation he was also very pale and at times appeared bloated ,which didn’t help. 4th was Dale Betts, Dale was in the best condition in the class and has good muscle mass in his upper body, Dale could do with more leg size to place higher. Liam John probably had one of the most impressive upper bodies in the class with a great taper and lovely shoulders and arms. Liams legs really were down on size in comparison to his upper body or he would have been a real threat. As I said a very tough top5. 6th place went to James Dodds who has good potential a well balanced muscular physique again like most of the class needs work on legs. In better condition he would have been more of a challenge. Also competing John Tyler who again has potential he was slightly down on his qualifier condition. John has a great V taper and is tall so as he matures he will fill out and be more imposing. Scott Carney who was quite muscular but too pale and lacking condition. Max Roberts who was a joy to watch as he looks to be enjoying himself so much. Max has great arms and is well balanced but yet again needs more leg size. AJ Morris was in good condition and posed well but lacked legs especially hamstrings. This class was full of potential and future champions but a lot of leg work needed! Miss Athletic Again 2 competitors stood out, Michelle Dickinson had the best condition in the class with a great side chest and side tricep pose and Sally Thomas who had lovely balance and presentation with great proportions. Michelle lacked the neat shape of Sally but Sally lacked the leg condition and finer detail that Michelle had. Eventually Michelle emerged as the winner her long lean lines in her side poses were excellent. Michelle is a bit thick in the waist and although the class does not ask for back width it would help hide her weakness. Sally took 2nd on this occasion even though her posing routine was better she didn’t quite have the condition to win this time. Sally needs a bit more muscle and leg detail but could be a future champion in this class. 3rd was Amie Lloyd, this class really suits Amie but she still needs to achieve more fullness in chest and arms and a bit more size in her legs to place even higher. Just keep pushing Amie. 4th was Louise James who again suited this class she should definately work towards this class for next year. Louise needs more muscle on her legs and back to push top 2. 5th was Nicky Mitchell, Nicky lacked muscle and possibly needs to take some time out to gain some bodyweight and build more size. Novice Nothing split the top 3 in this class with each of the top 3 receiving 1st places on the score cards. Ben Zanyi the eventual winner was very balanced and scored high in symmetry round, Ajmal had the best v taper in the class with a great shoulder width, his weakness was that his legs dont quite match his upper body size. Theo Goluab is well muscled with great full muscle bellies and awesome pecs. Theo’s legs were small in comparison but very detailed. The placings really came down to numbers as anyone of the 3 would be a worthy winner. 1st went to Ben who was very impressive in front and side poses. A bit work needed on Ben’s back and hamstrings will improve an already good physique, well done on winning a tough class. 2nd was Ajmal who as already said has a crazy taper and impressive upper body but lacks a bit leg size, great future ahead for this novice with a bit work on his legs. 3rd the huge Theo who will be a force in the future and he fine tunes and builds on his legs. 4th was Michael Kayan, Micheal was not as complete as he was at his qualifier just lacking a bit detail from the rear. His front poses and upper body were impressive and Michael has great potential for the future. Abbey Oludimn was 5th he is very flashy but was too soft to place higher. Great aesthetic physique but better from front than rear. 6th went to Matt Norby this could have easily been 5th or higher with better condition. A well muscled physique just lacking a bit separation esp in his legs. Also competing Paul Glassbrook, Paul had great conditioning and was very well presented. As Paul gains more muscle he will be able to hide a slightly thick waist. Andrew Allison was not as impressive as at his qualifier as he looked a bit flat, Andrew has a thick muscular physique but is slightly light in the legs. Peter Sellberg, Peter also was well muscled especially in his upper body but needs to achieve greater levels of conditioning to place higher. Will Davies, tight condition good from front but lacking a bit back and hamstring. Paul Beattie, Paul is small in structure and will be a good lightweight in the future, well muscles but lacking a bit detail from the rear. Nathaniel Ebiem, Nathaniel was well muscled and detailed to the front but very poor posing meant he didnt show what he had. Greg Frandrych Greg had a ton of muscle and great leg shape his midsection however was very bloated spoiling his symmetry. Colin Hall who has a lot of muscle but needs a lot of work on his condition. Dusan Zubar, Dusan has a great upper body but at this level the weakness in his legs was exposed. This again was a crazy level of potential and as these competitors move into the open class and tidy up the weaknesses there will be future champions among them. Masters Figure Claire Burton stood out from the start. Claire was in great condition, well proportioned, well presented and a stand out winner. Well done Claire 2nd was Lynne Richardson, Lynne has a muscular upper body with a tiny waist but could still be slightly harder, Lynne struggled with her T walk but did enough to take 2nd on this occasion. 3rd was Jess Centro, Jess was in good condition and pushed Lynne hard for 2nd place. Jess has lovely back detail but her legs lacked a bit separation. Jess needs to polish her T walk for future but if she could bring her level of conditioning in quite a bit would be competitive in Miss Athletic. 4th Kelley McCourt, Kelley was not quite as good as her qualifier outing, Kelley appeared a little softer in the lower half and abs. Kelley has a great taper and good stage presence. Sarah Godwin took the 5th spot with a lovely balanced figure and good condition in the legs. Unfortunately Sarah’s Tattoos detract from the detail in her back. 6th was Jo Tate, Jo had good condition in upper body and presented herself well. Jo needs to build a bit more muscle to give more shape to her figure. Also competing was Sam Woods, like Jo needs more muscle size to create more shape, sam was in good condition but slightly narrow. Alison Jones, Alison has good balanced but again lacks a bit muscle, more muscle would help give a more figure like shape. Sharon Graham lacked taper but was neat and in good condition. The major issue in the class was that there was a lack of muscle on a lot of the competitors to create the required shape, figure does need a level of muscularity to create the required look. Junior This was undoubtably the class of the event, it was stacked with talent and without question potential future Pros. 1st place went to last years runner up Micheal Perrin, Micheal was pushed very hard by 2nd and even 3rd there was very little between them. Michael has a great physique with wide back and shoulders and is very aesthetic, if been picky Michael was slightly flat and could be fuller. His evening presentation and presentation throughout was very polished this helped nail him 1st place. 2nd was Stephen Olagoke, Stephen was not as tight as his Midland outing but has great full muscle bellies and a beautifully balanced aesthetic physique, which is very complete. Had he been in better condition he may have taken the class. 3rd was Callum Cordwell, Callum was very thickly muscled for a junior and no obvious weaknesses. Callum does however need to come in harder still and learn to drop his shoulders while posing. In a very tough class taking 4th place was Kristian Kerr who was in great condition with a lot of detail to the rear he just lacked the size of the top 3. Someone to definitely watch in future competitions. 5th was Tom Hilton, Tom was very thickly muscled in his upper body however his legs were a bit behind, if he brings his legs up he will be much more competitive. 6th James Wilson, James was in crisp condition but lacked a bit shoulder width to place higher. Also Competing Dann Chipps, Dann has good proportions and was muscular but lacked condition. James Rutherford was in good condition and balanced but lacked fullness in the muscle. James has a physique that will take a bit time to mature but he has a good structure to build on. Dan Watkins was a bit down on his normal condition this outing to be more competitive. Matt Leonard who was a bit soft to be competitive this time. James Elsom, James has a lot of potential as he already has quite a chunky physique just needs better conditioning. Feyi Oyobode, Feyi has lovely balance and symmetry just lacked condition this time. This was an outstanding class with athletes not making the top 6 that will be a force in the future. Lightweight Men 1st was Jaime Bishop Jaime had come to win great polished presentation. He was in top condition with plenty muscle and a good taper with flaring quads. Being picky Jaime needs a bit more detail from the rear but a definite winner. 2nd was Darren Loxton, Darren has a very well put together physique with great quads. Darren was in good condition but appeared a little flat. in 3rd place was Karolis Vaskevicius, Karolis was balanced and symmetrical with fullness in his upper body that was very impressive. Karolis pushed Darren hard and had he been slightly harder in the legs he could have turned the placings. Danny Richardson was 4th this time out. Danny has a very pleasing upper body but could be more dynamic on stage. Danny could also have been slightly harder. 5th was Raymond Lengyel was not quite in the condition he was at his qualifier but carries a lot of muscle. Like in the qualifier was a toss up between him and Danny both have very different strengths and weaknesses. Raymond has had a very successful 1st year and will take his experience and learn for next time. 6th Jason Barnett , not the best Jason we have seen, a lot of muscle on a small frame but not in condition. 7th George Fereos, George was lean to the point of being too thin. George don’t forget that you need to maintain muscle fullness to be competitive in this strong class. Middleweights A two man battle, would the tiny waist and flashy full muscle bellies of Tshala Kabala win over the heavy muscle of Richie Robinson? Tshala in a front relaxed pose looks very impressive wide shoulders and tiny waist. Tshalas legs are always behind his upper body but he has a lot of detail in his quads, his hamstrings were not as sharp as normal but he had enough to win the British title. Having pushed hard Richie Robinson was a tough adversary for Tshala he was very hard with great legs and was muscular top to toe. Richie’s weakness was he has very flat pecs. Richie was much better than at the qualifier but unfortunately had to take 2nd on this outing. Simon Stevens front on looks competitive with the top 2 but he is very different front to back that is his weakness and he will need to remedy this to place higher at this level. Simon presented himself well and took a well deserved 3rd place. 4th was Alex Mackay who has a good structure with a great V taper and shape. Still needs more size and condition to earn a top spot. 5th Stephen Burke, Stephen had improved a lot since his qualifier and is a great competitor. He is well muscled but not quite in the condition required to push higher. 6th Tommy Hayward, Tommy has big legs and heavy traps but this hurts his symmetry he was in good condition but not quite hard enough to crack a top spot. Also competing Mark Spinks, Mark had a great posing routine and a balanced structure to build on just lacked the size this time out. Rob Wardley had a lovely structure that over time will mature, he just didnt have the condition this time out. Heavyweights This was a battle of the big men some imposing physiques lined up for this strong heavyweight class. Andrew Chappell took his impressive 5th BNBF British title. Andrew left no stone unturned he was in fantastic condition with full muscles. Andrew had wide shoulders and huge quads so even though he is slightly thick waisted he looked very aesthetic and balanced top to toe. Andrew had a great routine that truly enhanced his physique. 2nd was Louis Smith, had Andrew not been in his best condition Louis may have had the day. Louis has a massive tapered upper body and big legs. He lacked a bit detail in his legs something that can be worked on. Louis was very thick from the side with great striated pecs. A big difference from Louis the novice from last year. 3rd was Henry Elsom, Henry a former masters British Champion threw his hat in with the open men and took a very credible 3rd place. Henry has a very rugged thick physique with tons of muscle. Henry doesn’t pose well which holds him back slightly, great placing never the less. 4th Ken Mudoola a huge man that should be dominating this class, he has crazy arms and pecs but this time out Ken didnt achieve the condition required. He was way down on his qualifier condition. 5th David Penman, David was is great condition and managed to hold better muscle fullness than previous outings. A good structure and keeps getting better every outing. 6th Rob Mason, Rob has a muscular upper body and was well conditioned but needs to keep working on more fullness as he looked flat this time out. Also competing Graeme Ross, this was the best Graeme to date, fuller muscles and better look in general. Graeme improves every outing and this was no exception better tan bigger and more balanced. Brian Lewis, Brian has huge potential with crazy wide shoulders and huge quads however his condition do him justice. Eric Saayeng, Eric has great structure with a very aesthetic balanced physique. Just needs to nail better condition to be competitive at this level. Tim Griffin big frame which he presented well Tim just needs to get harder. Miss Figure This was a 3 way battle for 1st between 3 superb and very different athletes. The 1st place went to Julia Rayner, Julia has a beautiful back with a tiny waist, she lacked a bit leg size and could be harder in the glutes but her T walk was by far the best in the whole show. Julia was the hardest of the top 3 and her presentation on the day stole the show. 2nd was Kerri Stewart, Kerri has great symmetry with a lot of muscle especially in her back. Kerri didnt have the width in her back to match Julia but she has a lot of muscle and great glutes and hamstrings. Kerri is very aesthetic and balanced a little better condition and better presentation may have made all the difference. In 3rd was a Danielle Carr with a very balanced physique, Danielle excels in round 2 and makes the most of her muscular curves. Her T walk is a bit cumbersome which held her back in round 3 All in all as a judge probably round 1 to Kerri, round 2 Danielle and round 3 to Julia but the numbers fell and Julia took 1st Kerri 2nd and Danielle 3rd. Well done to all 3 Sophia Sammee was 4th and was very neat and posed well but was lacking a bit width and muscle size to challenge top 3. 5th was Steph Noble, Steph was not in as good shape as I have seen her in the past. Steph has a great wide back and a neat waist and she glides across the stage in her T walk. 6th Was Sukana Stewart who is very balanced and walks well but does tend to look a little scared on stage. A bit more muscle will give Sukanna more shape. Also competing Laura Curley who was in amazing condition but probably need to look at athletic next year. Nicky Rodgers who needs to build more muscle to give her shape more substance, Kristin Milne was lacking in condition, Diane Atkova wasnt at her best this time a litle harder would help. Marianne Cordas lacked a bit size at this level. Lisa Suarez, Lisa was a bit soft but has potential and her T walk does need work. Nat Gilead, Nat walks well and has a neat structure but needs more muscle. Katy Smeathers great potential but needs more condition. Overall Master Robert Rodney Overall Figure Claire Burton Overall Male Andrew Chappell This was the end for most of the BNBF competitors but some will leave elated some dejected and some back to the drawing board for future outings. For the chosen few another 6 week hard graft followed with the exciting prospect of competing at the DFAC Worlds in the incomparable Miami! Congratulations to all the BNBF competitors this has defiantly been a season to remember! Roll on an even bigger and 2015!! BNBF Giving Natural Athletes the Platform they Truly Deserve.
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 17:25:35 +0000
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