As usual Paul Smith and friends pull off another great show packed to capacity. Heres how we saw it:-

JUNIORS

Sad only 2 juniors. We all know all sports need new blood, so any youngster out there wanting to try bodybuilding drop us a line. We'll let you know the nearest gym to your home.
On this day 1st placing went to Gary Farr and 2nd Nicolas Mazza. Keep it up lads, you both have a great future. Both these young men go through to the British Championship.

1st TIMERS

There were 13 entrants for the first timers, the largest entry of the day. It's hard to believe some of these have never competed before. I'm sure some would do very well in their weight category. 1st Darius Tearani, 2nd Gordon Ogg, 3rd Mathew Keen. Both Darius, 1st and Gordon, 2nd, go through to the British Championships.

INTERS

At the British Championships there are 2 classes for the intermediates, under 80k and over 80k. On this occasion Chris Tomlinson was the only under 80k, so Chris goes through to the British Championship. However, 1st place goes to Mark Yates (think i've heard the name Yates before!). Mark presents the full package, a real pleasing shape. 2nd James Brace, at most other shows I think James would have taken 1st place. However, we must remember Mark went on to win the overall competition. 3rd place went to Giles Thomas.

BODY FITNESS

All of the Body Fitness girls were in good shape, with Clare Taurman placing 1st. 2nd was Tracy Young, with Caroline Thomas in 3rd place.

WOMEN'S U/57k

A poor showing for the girls; only one girl in each division. So Mary Howards goes through to the British Championships, in the under 57k. While Sarah Lewis goes to the British championships in the over 57k.

MENS U 70k

The men's under 70k showed a mixture of physiques. However, Mark Deane, with the complete package, took first place. David Thompson, 2nd, split the two Hove boys up as Cyrus Yazdani, 3rd, and Mark both train at Cheetahs Gym.

MENS 80k

Only two entries in the men's 80k. Sadly Punit Mannary had to withdraw due to ill health, which left Steven Nicholls a clear winner. A real shame as I'm sure Steven would have done well had there been more competitors. He will enjoy more competition at the British Championships.

MEN'S U90k

A good class for the under 90k but a very strong winner in Paul Stenning. Paul's from Forest Gym in Crawley. Forest Gym is run by the lovely husband and wife team, Karen and Harold Marillier. They run a very succesful bodybuilding gym. Both IFBB pro's have informed me that if Paul doesn't do well at the British Championships then he's walking home. 2nd place went to Paul Jones, who also got an invite to the British Championships. 3rd place went to Dan Parker.

SENIORS

Always great to see the seniors. The seniors used to be over 40's but because of its popularity there is now an over 50's. We had 5 over 40's and 3 over 50's. Dean Harris took the 1st spot, and also won best pose of the day. Steve Reeves (theres a name for our older readers) was placed 2nd. A few years ago Steve had a very bad motorbike accident, and now has 16 pins in his body. Well done Steve, after all that you've still come back. A man to be admired. Tony Demarco, 3rd, will hopefully try another show to make the British Championships.

MEN'S OVER 90k

UNusual, only two heavyweights, in most shows they spread right accross the stage. On this occasion Nicholas Anthony, of that famous bodybuilding gym, Muscleworks, had the edge on Ollie Beard. So Nicholas goes through to the British Championships.

Overall winner of the day was intermediate Mark Yates. So great things are expected from Mark at the British Championships.

Female guest poser Marina Cornwall, still going strong and looking better than ever, and thats at age 51.

Promoter Paul Smith, a keen bodybuilder himself, always puts a lot into his shows.

This years guest posers were Paul Delaney, 2005 overall British Champion, and to represent the women, guest poser Marina Cornwall.

However the man who never seems to stop growing, Mustafa Mohammad, tenth in 2005 Olympia, and has already qualified for the 2006 Olympia. Before his amazing guest spot he sat on the stage for an hour with Kerry Kayes, in a question / answer seminar. When he came on stage to pose I thought the cheers would raise the roof. He went into the crowd to have pictures taken. It seemed everyone was a fan of Mustafa.
The gym of the day was Cheetahs Gym in Brighton who had eight contestants on the day, and four of them got a high positioning.

Here a STOP PRESS, two great shows coming to Portsmouth. This year the British Grand Prix is back, right after the Olympia. Plus Nov 26th all the top amateur stars with C.N.P. putting up 15000 Euros. Thats two fantastic shows to put in your diary and that news is straight from Mr. Bodybuilding himself, Kerry Kayes.
Please remember Kerry is one of the most respected men in bodybuilding. In the past Kerrys Grand Prix's most of the Olympia line-up turn up for him.

Smith aided and abetted by Kerry Kayes, Sarah and Bill Bridges and a host of well known names in bodybuilding has been voted the best, not only in the North and South, but also the west. The bottom line to any show is ‘how well is it supported?’ Well again the prestigious Portsmouth Guildhall was filled to capacity on Easter Sunday. Weigh in at 11am, bar and food available all day. Free admission for kids, free face painting, trade stands galore, stars ready, willing and able to sign photos or just talk to the fans. It was bodybuilding at its best. Even the kids had a competition for best upper body, and boy do they take it seriously. But that’s the way to go to encourage all the family to attend and take part.Body divisions included juniors, first timers and what a line up that was with such great potential. Intermediates, seniors, and various weight categories. Also women’s fitness and body fitness events.

It’s been a long time since I have seen so much muscle, and that’s just in the audience. As Sarah Bridges, championship competitor and judge commented, with so much talent, and we use the word wisely, it’s a pity more of both male and especially females did not compete. But its still a treat for the eyes just sitting in the audience.

Art Atwood the giant American, currently ranked 20th in the pro stakes, proved a popular guest star, giving an honest and interesting interview with the impressible Kerry Kayes. A giant globe trotting ball player entertained the kids, as did the Basil Fawlty look-alike. See, shows don’t have to be so serious and consist of just lines of bald headed, creosoted ‘tanned’ competitors.

As well as Art, who rightly closed the show giving 110 percent entertainment, other guests included Karen Marillier, a pro IFBB champion, placed 8th at the night of champions in New York. Karen was also 1st overall winner EPF Ms England and EFBB overall winner in 2001. A vivacious lady who works at the Forest Gym.

Infamous villain ‘Mad’ Frankie Fraser gave some ‘light entertainment’ open to all questions, something he must be used to now after a life of crime. A strange, but interesting guest. Frank was once dubbed the most dangerous man in Britain. Kerry Kayes made a good interviewer and ‘ole Parky better watch out.

Back to physical pursuits and Kizzy Vaines put on a show demonstrating just what fitness is all about. Multi-talented, Kizzy is a trained dancer, gymnast and most recently highly successful bodybuilder. Great value, Kizzy is currently training at Suzzane Grande Dance School Barnsley. Back in October she won joint ladies fitness title EFBB at the Royal Hall in Nottingham.

Another great and friendly champion attended being John Hodgson, with a physique impossible to criticise, John is the definition of a true champion, and a great role model for the younger guys just entering the sport. I.e. friendly and approachable, always ready to share knowledge and give advice.

Art Atwood just has to be seen to appreciate. At height 5ft 11ins and weight from 270 to 280lbs, chest 59, arms 22ins, legs 30 to 33. His calves must be some of the biggest ever to grace the stage listed as being 21 inches of muscle. He trains all body parts twice a week.

Too long to list all competitors, although all had the nerve to compete and the muscle to be proud of.

Juniors:

David Tinsley from City Gym Portsmouth is a great poser and deserves to do well at the British Championships.

First Timers:

Consisted of a large line up and some super physiques, and all deserved to win. 1st was Roy McLean, 2nd Nathan Black and 3rd Ben Jones, although not-placed Matt Saunders won best poser of the day.

Short interval during which former Harlem globetrotter Alan Cunningham came on stage with Kerry Kayes and had 15 children on stage first posing then playing games and tricks with Alan. Great fun!

Seniors:

Only two contestants, 1st Phil Hindmarsh and 2nd Terry Holloway.

Intermediates:

All three will go to the British championships, with 1st David Rasinski, 2nd Mike David Lawley and 3rd Andy Green from Bristol.

Fitness:

Title went to Leigh Gardiner.

Body Fitness

Hard to judge, all three were good but results were 1st Jaynid Weekes, 2nd Tracy Young and 3rd Joanne Gray.

Paul Smith's EFBB South Coast Show on Easter Sunday is now one of the best Qualifiers in the country and always a great day out.

The Concert Hall of Portsmouth Guildhall is a venue that tries to be imposing and unobtrusive at the same time. This Victorian Town Hall is one of those great exercises in civic pride that has left us with so much splendid architecture, a focal point of so many a town and city. The entrance to the Concert Hall is via a small door almost hidden at the side of the main steps. This hall will hold 2,300 people and has smaller halls on each side with restaurants, bars and plenty of space for the exhibitors displaying gym clothing, food supplements and training equipment. It is such a good venue it almost looks as if it was designed for the job.

So, what was my overall impression? Some great individual performances, a terrific First Timers Class, a very impressive overall winner in Tom Blackman and a mind-blowing display from the star Art Atwood - but where were the competitors. We have had many more on stage in previous years and Paul deserves to get better support than this. There were several classes with only one competitor and the First Timers was the only class with more than three. We have got to get many more competitors in every class if bodybuilding is to survive. Audiences for the shows have been increasing in recent years, with over 1000 at this event, but we need to turn this into more bodies prepared to do the work in the gym, to diet the diet and to compete on stage. On to the details.

Juniors

Only one Junior, David Tinsley from City Gym in Portsmouth. David had prepared well for the show, had nice shape, good condition and great legs below a very small waist. He was very professional with his posing and should have a great future

First Timers

This was the class of the day with 11 good quality competitors. No one
was out of place in this line-up and if we had to have chosen a top six it would have been a real struggle. Just finding the top three was not easy. After many comparisons it was a win for Roy McLean from Fitness First in Eastbourne. He won because he had just about got everything right. Good size, spot-on condition, nice shape with wide, thick lats. He also had a dark tan. Too many competitors were too light under the strong lighting on the stage. In 2nd place was Nathan Black from Fitness First in Cannuck; not as big as the 1st and 3rd place men but he did have a classic shape, good overall balance, great muscle separation and very sharp condition. He was even sharper at the evening show - perhaps he had taken in a few more carbs and filled up the muscles under the paper-thin skin. Ben James from the Fitness Warehouse in Bracknell was 3rd. I thought he was almost good enough to win but perhaps the judges were favouring the sharper condition of the men who beat him. He has very full muscles, well balanced - no real weaknesses - and is a great prospect. He needed a darker tan. Matt Saunders from Brian's Gym in Bournemouth had a nice physique - just needs to carry on growing. But he had worked hard on his preparation and won the Best Poser award.

Seniors

This class had two competitors only and the result was bizarre. Terry
Holloway from Pinks Gym in Carshalton had the better physique. He had more muscle, good shape and reasonable condition but he came 2nd. The problem was that he had too much muscle; he had bulges where no muscles exist in the human body. From where I sat, I had the impression that he had gone totally overboard with the use of some kind of artificial inflation of his arms. They appeared unnatural, gross and out of all proportion to the rest of his body. Maybe the judges also thought he was not quite natural and marked him down. The win went to Phillip Hindmarsh from Weights Room
in Eastleigh. He is small boned and really needs to gain more weight
before going for a harder condition.

Intermediates

There were three in this class and it was a great win for Dave Rasinski from Bests Bodies in Peterborough. I think this was a convincing win for a man with good size and shape, wide shoulders, very sharp abs and great intercostals and obliques. A great physique with a great future. In 2nd was Michael David Lawley from The Maclones Fitness Centre in Hemel Hempstead. He has good thick muscle tissue and good shape and very sharp in the upper body. He needs more work on his quads and calves. Andrew Green from LA Fitness in Bristol needs more size and some kind of stimulation to put life into his posing.

Women's Classes

The women's classes suffered the disappearing competitor problem even more than the men but I remember that last year women were thin on the ground. The problem is not helped by adding new categories and changing the rules of women's bodybuilding yet again. OK girls, you look pretty good but now we want you with 20% less muscularity!!!!!! What can they mean?

Fitness

The Fitness Class was a free ride for Leigh Gardiner from Roy's Gym in Hampton Wick. She would have been difficult for anyone to beat; she has a great body and a very professional routine.

Body Fitness

The Body Fitness Class had three competitors and I have to say that I do not know exactly what is required here. I wasn't the only one. The judges seemed not entirely certain either. I thought that Joanne Gray was the winner but - No! She was 3rd. She had good muscle size and separation and a good routine but perhaps she had too much muscle? Tracy Young from Weights Room, Eastleigh was 2nd with a much smoother look. She needed a darker tan. The winner was Jaynid Weekes from Flex Fitness in Wood Green. She was in superb condition and radiated health. She had a dance type
routine and she showed off her body well. Her legs go on and on for ever.

U57KG

Women's Bodybuilding was represented by a single competitor, Mary Howard in the U57 kg Class. To me Mary has a good basic shape but needs a bit more size, which will help her to look sharper, plus a darker tan.

Men's LW and MW

Just one LW, Cyrus Yazdani from Cheetahs Brighton. He looks a bit tall for a 70 kg man these days and he is already near the weight limit but he has a classic shape, very full muscles and a great condition, which got even better at the evening show. He should go far. There were two great MWs. The winner was Tom Blackman from Next Generation in Bristol with a grade one
physique. He has shape, size and condition, all well balanced with no real weaknesses; wide lats and a small waist with sharp muscle separation. His tan was just right - and his condition was better still in the evening. Tom's posing music could have had Beethoven rolling in his grave in pain and torment - but the sound was dramatic. The 2nd place went to Andy Miller from Weights Room in Eastleigh. He also has a quality physique and on a day with few competitors he was unlucky to come up against the best. Andy has shape and condition and also a small waist. He just needs to carry on growing.

Men's LHW

This class was a win for Darren Oram from Scott's Gym in Melksham. Darren only just made the weight limit [by 0.5 kg] but he does have plenty of muscle. Big thick traps set things off and he has very full pecs, wide lats and a small waist. He could improve his presentation but this will come with experience. He has very good legs but seemed reluctant to flex hard and bring out the cuts and condition, which we saw in just tantalising glimpses. Some 5kg lighter was 2nd place Mark Cameron from City Gym in Portsmouth. He needs more size and better condition - I think. His tan was very light and under the lights he seemed very flat when looked at from
any distance. The 3rd spot went to Ruslan Gukason from Muscle Base in Enfield. He also needs a darker tan. He needs to build more muscle but his aesthetic posing style suits his body type.

Men's HW

Two of the competitors in this class were only just over 90 kg. The winner was Eddie Gray from Bob Prowse's Health Club in Maidstone. He has good pec shape, good delts and a terrific lower lat sweep. Bit light to do well at the British Finals but the potential is there. Dominic Cannon from Flex Gym in Newbury was 2nd. He is not the classic shape and although he was the heaviest in the class he still needs more size and at the same time, to tighten up his waist quite a bit. The 3rd position went to Adam Dyre from Broadstone Sports Centre in Bournemouth; he has good shape but needs to
concentrate on getting more muscle and then tightening his condition.

Overall

As we expected, Tom Blackman took the Overall title collecting an impressive trophy presented by IFBB Pro Bodybuilders Harold & Karen Marillier. I hope that Tom Blackman stays with the sport because he could all the way to the top - Mike Sheridan used to be a MW man.

Stars

The first star was Kizzi Vaines with a splendid Fitness routine that was
enjoyed by everyone. She just gets better and better.

But many of us went to see Art Atwood and what a mind blowing experience that was. In the afternoon Art gave a first rate seminar. He was friendly, relaxed and professional. Art weighed 295 lbs [21st 1lb] and was just 13 lbs up on the fabulous condition he showed at the San Francisco GP a week earlier. At the evening show, we saw that he was still in good condition and he was HUGE, HUGE. His is not a classic Dexter Jackson type physique; it is brute force freaky, awesome, and incredible. On the stage he gob-smacked the audience into silence but then he came down into the crowds and we saw just how big he really was. Arnold Schwartzenegger is saying that we should place classic physiques higher than the freaks. But the fans want the freaks. And they don't come any freakier than Art Atwood.

Paul Smith should be thanked again for organising a great show. The kids had a good day and entertained us all with an impromptu contest with no lower age limits and prizes of Easter Eggs for everyone. There was a face painter, Mad Frankie Fraser was there, a Basil Fawlty look-alike, former Harlem Globetrotter 6ft 10” Alan Cunningham and Kerry Kayes, as always, did a great job as compere. Also on the Fitness Development Trade stand IFBB Pro’s Art Atwood, John Hodgson, Mike Sheridan, Harold Marillier and Karen Marillier were there to answer questions and for signed photos.
Next year we just want more competitors.

Article by Ron Ball of Forest Gym, Crawley

This years EFBB South Coast is again being held at The Guildhall Portsmouth. This is a massive venue with a massive stage and professional sound and lighting. There is also a bar and food available all day.The weigh-in will commence at 11pm with the pre-judging to start at 1pm. Doors will open to the public at 12pm.There will be plenty of trade stands to browse if you are not watching a particular class.

After the pre-judging at approximately 5pm there will be a seminar on stage with Art Atwood. He will be giving a bit of background information about where he started out and plans for the future, then it will open up to questions from the audience.

The evening show will commence at 7pm with a short 20 min break half way through for food, drinks or to look at the stands.
There will be plenty of entertainment before the show and during the interval with some special guests lined up. These will be announced closer to the show. Please keep an eye on the website as it is updated daily.

Tickets are available through the links on this site at £10 in advance or can be purchased for £12.50 on the door. Children under 16 when accompanied by an adult are allowed free entry. There will also be free face-painting for the kids to keep them amused and a best upper body competition with Easter Eggs as prizes. This has become very popular over the last few years with some children practising all year!
Please come and support the show. Have a look through the website and see some of the guests we have had at previous shows. There is no other Qualifier like it in the UK.

The EFBB South Coast was held at the Portsmouth Guildhall on Sunday 11th April 04.

'This is the most impressive venue of a bodybuilding show next to the Grand Prix at Wembley.'

There is a massive stage and professional sound and lighting. The venue can seat over 2000 people and we had just over 1000 in attendance. There were also trade stands for supplements and clothing.The pre judging started at 1pm and there were 41 competitors in total. After the pre judging at 5.30 there was a seminar and question and answer session with Markus Ruhl. The evening show started at 7pm. The lights dimmed and shots rung out on stage above the theme tune to 007. The look-alikes Jaws and odd jobb walked across the stage firing shots into the audience. The lights came on and Mini me (not much over 3ft!!!) came running out through jaws's legs (7ft2) and head-butted oddjob then turned around and punched jaws in the bollocks. They both limped off stage and Kerry Kayes was dragged on by Mini Me. There was a very high standard of competitor and a great atmosphere due to the large crowd. Before the interval we had Sam the Man on stage as our first guest spot with an amazing routine that was very popular with the audience, then Vinnie Graham who lost his leg in a car accident and also a best upper body competition for the kids with easter eggs as prizes, they were also joined on stage by mini me and the UK Pitbulls the heaviest uk tag team(one of them weighing in at over 40 stone!!)

After the interval we also had Simon Robinson and Mike King as guest spots. This being Mike Kings first time on stage in 3.5 years due to injury. He was looking huge and in great shape.

After the overall that was won again (2nd year running) by Rob Hill, owner of Body 2 Body in Bath, we had Markus Ruhl on stage (flown in from Germany just for this show). The crowd looked stunned. Markus was looking massive and is definitely one of the most popular bodybuilders at this time. He went off stage and the crowd went crazy. He came back on joined by Vinnie, Simon and Mike. He was off the stage and into the audience who were on their feet and were all trying to get as close as possible.

Fantastic show. Just when I had begun to believe bodybuilding shows were finished or certainly on a steep decline, PAUL SMITH’S Easter Sunday EFBB South Britain show restored my faith and most of all interest, in the art and competition of muscle display.

Everything a real show should have been, it was. Super physiques, top standards, excellent posing, varied music, top stars, and wonderful characters. (Where else would you see in one hit, all the James Bond villains look-a-likes) and best of all a family show. Even the kids were catered for with face paints and Easter eggs. Mums, mates, girlfriends and children all shouted and encouraged their kin when competing. It was a sheer delight and full credit to the organisers and promoters, judges, competitors and the great and knowledgeable audience.

Sarah and Bill Bridges, famed bodybuilders and wrestling champs, brought in from Germany the giant Markus Ruhl. Markus happily signed photos and gave a free seminar, prompted by the one and only Kerry Kayes. Markus tells us he is now happily signed up with Weider as a pro. Alex Mac of BEEF took plenty of pics and a few nuts home for his “squirrel”, and Diane Bennett, wearing more badges than an Italian General, along with Sarah and “Sugar” did the hard and thankless task of judging what must in most cases been difficult, such was the high standard. This old “hack” thoroughly enjoyed the whole show and offers honest thanks for a good day.

In a successful bid to halt the decline of bodybuilding show attendance, UK promoter Paul Smith (with the help of Kerry Kayes and Co.) has found the, up until now, elusive answer.

Smith doubled his normal ticket sales by providing real family entertainment along with his bodybuilding contest.Picture the scene: the lights go out. A blue haze covers the stage. Suddenly out from the wings appear James Bond villain look-a-likes, Jaws (Gary Tiplady) and Odd job, firing guns into the audience. (Not real ones – that would keep the crowds away.) Then midget Mini Me rushes onstage through Tiplady’s legs, head-butting Odd job, then punching Jaws in the lower extremities. Both ultra-villains limp off stage, Mini Me drags Mr. Bodybuilding Kerry Kayes onto the stage, and the show begins.

Paul allowed all kids in free, provided they brought along paying parents – an astute move. The youngsters participated in an upper-body posing routine to win prizes. They took it all quite seriously and were cheered on heartily by their parents. Here’s the next generation of musclemen. Smaller children had free face-painting sessions. Thus the whole family was part of the show.

The 2004 British show season got off to a big start in every sense of the word at the opening competition of the year. The 1,000-strong audience was big, the line-up of competitors was big and the guest star – Markus Ruhl – was absolutely gargantuan.

The German superstar, weighing over 300 pounds and in excellent shape, electrified the Portsmouth Guildhall in a way Peter Andre, who was due to appear at the venue the following week, can only dream about. Posing in German trunks to truly appalling German heavy metal, Ruhl made a loud statement that he intends to be Europe’s number one this year.

But he admits global dominance is beyond him. “Nobody can beat Ronnie Coleman,” he says. “The only chance for other professionals is if Ronnie ends his career.” When a pro show winner with 24-inch arms, a 58-inch chest and 36-inch thighs concedes defeat six months before the Olympia, it says everything about the psychological damage Ronnie inflicted at last years showdown in Las Vegas.

Ruhl even nominates Dexter Jackson as the man most likely to step in if Ronnie gets run over by a very large bus. “Dexter has nice shape,” he says. “I’m not a nice bodybuilder so I try to be the biggest.” Ruhl politely declined to comment on suggestions that his passport might be a factor in his losing out to smaller Americans.

Injury saved Ruhl from Coleman annihilation last year. Instead he got to witness Olympia weekend from a fans perspective thanks to Wayne DeMilia, vice president of the IFBB pro division, who paid for him and his bodybuilder turned martial artist girlfriend, Simone Elrich, to fly to Sin City. “I was more nervous watching,” he says. “The atmosphere was terrific, especially when Simon Robinson (the British guest poser who lost a leg) came onstage. That was the best moment of the show,”

Robinson and Ruhl were reunited onstage at the EFBB South Coast qualifier, which has become one of the best shows in Britain. Promoter Paul Smith mixes hardcore muscle with wacky entertainment to create an occasion that even the most casual fan can enjoy.

The UK Pitbulls, two wrestlers with more mass than Ruhl, albeit of a somewhat jellier nature, scared mums and children with their bizarre fetish costumes and goatee beards. Bulk, the bigger of the two, wanted to scotch rumours that he was 42-stone. “I’m a mere 35 stone,” he said. An equally frightening 7 ft 3 ins man with huge false gnashers did a more than passing imitation of the James Bond character Jaws.

But muscle was the main course. Ruhl, on his fourth trip to the UK, shot the breeze with fans in an hour-long question and answer session before stripping to his trunks at the end of the show and taking part in the now obligatory pose down in the audience. Local pro Mike King, the 200 overall British Champion, got back onstage for the first time in four years for another great guest spot. King, who was almost 15stone, plans to make his pro debut at this year’s Hungarian grand prix.

Poser extraordinaire Sam ‘The-Man’ Cullingworth put on a pec-popping routine that elevated physique presentation to performance art. Robinson showed off a great new routine and Liverpudlian Vinny Graham, who also lost a leg in a road accident, received equally thunderous applause. Graham, 26, only lost the part of his leg below the knee, so with his prosthesis, he can still perform a whole range of leg exercises, including an incredible 600kg leg press. “I want to compete,” he says. “If my one leg is in condition, the other one would be, so the judges can mark me on the clarity of what they can see”.

The competitive hero on the day was heavyweight Rob Hill, the shows overall winner for the second year running. Last year, the Bath Gym owner skipped the British finals. “I would have been out of my league,” he says. After seeking help off pro Harold Marillier, he returned 8 pounds heavier at 15 stone 12 pounds and in better nick. “I shall definitely go for the Britain this year,” he said.

Under 90kg winner Mark Cameron is also going all guns blazing for the October finals in Nottingham. He quit three jobs to concentrate on making 2004 his year. “If you are going to do something you have to give it 100 per cent,” says Mark, who trains at City Gym, Portsmouth. “There’s no point giving it 80 per cent five years running.”

Under 80kg winner Jason Maker, of Cheetah’s Gym, Brighton, doesn’t think he’s ready to take on Britain yet. “I’ve improved but i'm still not there yet,” he says. The wonderfully shaped John Odour Ochar, who contracted malaria in Kenya last year, is praying for an injury-free run to this years finals after taking the under 70kg crown.

The increasingly popular women’s fitness class featured a head-to-head between former gymnast Leigh Gardner and ex ice-skater Georgina Tier. Gardiner, 28, who has a beautifully balanced shape as well as a great acrobatic routine, prevailed and will be a strong contender at Nottingham. A pub chef in Kingston, Surrey, she suffers more than most when dieting. “It’s horrendous,” she says. “I’m always cooking burgers, chips and apple pies.”

Women’s physique categories have been streamlined in 2004. The traditional under 52kg, under57kg and over 57kg classes have been reduced to two weight groups: under 57kg and over 57kg. Southampton personal trainer Marina Cornwell, 5ft tall and a mere 45kg, proved that little women can still mix it with the best by defeating the tall and shapely Rachel Greenhalgh, who at a shade below 57kg was 12kg heavier than her yet in the same weight category.

The men’s intermediates threw up a potential star in Tim Blakeley, a personal trainer at London’s Soho Gyms. In just his second year of competing he has filled out his 6 ft 2 ins frame mightily impressively after seeking advice from pro John Hodgson. Watch out for him at Nottingham.

Former strongman Toby Bienek won a competitive first timers’ class. “I was very strong statically but not aerobically so I fancied a change,” says Bienek, from the Isle of Wight, who started the strongman circuit aged only 18. Now 24, he’s rebuilt his physique remarkably after shredding more than six stone to come in at 17 stone 2 pounds.

Junior winner Mathew Cook made a strong impression in taking a competitive class of under 21’s. Aged 20, the Bath youngster presented a very muscular and detailed 14 stone package. Senior champion Mark Deane, another star of Cheetah’s Gym in Hove, earned the right to take on the best over 40’s in the land by taking the title in his class.

Finally someone has put the fun back into bodybuilding shows.

PAUL SMITH promoter of the qualifier for the EFBB British Championships brought entertainment back into the game.
His Easter Sunday bodybuilding extravaganza packed them into the best family show I have seen in a long while.MARKUS RUHL may have only taken 5th place in the Arnold Classic, but for his audience of over 1100 he was the tops, almost being mobbed by keen fans. Mr. Bodybuilding KERRY KAYES, kept all under control helping make the show the success it was. For variety all the James Bond main foe look-alikes were in the audience to frighten not only the kids, but me as well. This included JAWS, (Gary Tiplady) ODD JOB and MINI ME, as did some of the free face paint jobs. Paul not only lets kids come in free (thus encouraging parents to attend) but also provided Easter eggs as prizes in kids competitions. Great value.

Guest stars Markus and the amazing Mike King (who had not been on a stage for 3 years) gave posing slots. The place nearly erupted in support of these two super acts. Markus was also easily approachable for his fans prior to the evening event. Also highly praised was Sam The Man Cullingworth who did an amazing routine. Vinnie Graham who had lost a leg in a motorbike accident and Simon Robertson who had also lost a leg in a car accident, neither serious setbacks prevented these guys from developing amazing muscle size and shape. Thus the mix of muscle and unusual wrestling characters eg. The UK PITBULLS kept everyone entertained.

Former female British heavyweight bodybuilding champion Sarah Bridges now a qualified physique judge, and who better than a former top competitor to judge others, slightly disappointed by the low turn out of female competitors, has plans for next year to encourage more entrants. As Sarah remarks, plenty of women train and look good, its just how to entice them to compete that’s the problem.

“Sugar” kept tight control of the posing formalities and rules, and of course the first lady of bodybuilding Diane Bennett added her expertise to make the day.

The standard of physiques was excellent: just a few years ago most of these guys would have been top notch champions in their own right. To name just one, intermediate TIM BURKLEY from the SOHO GYM, London, got the thumbs up from Kerry Kayes who believes Tim has a great future in bodybuilding. Best poser of the day went to TOM BLACKMAN who trains at the LA GYM down in deepest Bristol.

Truly it was a great day for bodybuilding, we welcome the return of the big show.

The EFBB South Coast Show organised on Easter Sunday, 11th April, by Paul Smith was better than ever this year and had a good crowd of people packing the Portsmouth Guildhall throughout the day. Some good standard bodybuilders, lots of entertainment for the kids and a mind blowing display by Marcus Ruhl all served to keep things moving. And with a finish before 10.30 pm we had time to eat and still get home at a reasonable hour.

Our interest above all was in Bill Hazeltine in the First Timers but Rob Hill, last year’s overall winner, has been a frequent visitor to The Forest Gym preparing for this year’s contest under Big H’s supervision We were backing him to do well again. Rob was 15 lbs heavier than last year and looking in better condition than last year, so the omens were good. There were two others competing from Rob’s gym, Body 2 Body in Radstock and having seen them in The Forest Gym, we knew that they also had to be in with a good shout

This year The Forest Gym will have fewer competitors than in 2003 in both Bodybuilding and Power Lifting contests as many of our members suffer the stresses of everyday life plus a few injuries and need time to get sorted. But we have new members coming along who will be competing on stage before very long.

Bill Hazeltine did us proud with a very enthusiastic and professional display, which would have won him the First Timers, had it not been for the appearance of Toby Bienek from Cloud Nine Health Club in Shanklin, Isle of Wight. Toby has been competing for some years in Power Lifting and Strongman events but was persuaded to diet down to Bodybuilder condition and give it a go. He was not perfect aesthetically, but he did have plenty of muscle with excellent quads, hams and calves. Bill was smaller but more pleasing shape and really showed off what he had got — a lean and mean look — and he was not over=awed by the bigger man. Both men were well ahead of Alex Giddings from Harveys Gym in Tring in 3rd. He had good shape and should be good in a year or two. The last two in the class just need to keep working for more mass and then get the condition

Matt Crook from Body 2 Body in Radstock was a clear winner of the Juniors with a much better balanced physique than Joe Crammond from Burnham-on-Sea in 2nd. Matt had really good legs, while Joe and Ben Harris in 3rd lacked all round leg mass. Ben Harris also had a tendency to be round shouldered. Matt Crook should do well when he moves into the senior classes next year.

In the Seniors there was not much between Mark Deane from Cheetahs in Hove and Grant McTaggart from Foundation in Sandhurst. At the judging, I thought that it was going to be Grant 1st but in the evening Mark Deane seemed much better [sharper] and with better balance he took the class with Grant Mc Taggart 2nd. Phil Hindmarsh from Weights Room in Eastleigh was well behind. He needs much more mass and better condition — but he did have some gyno. The other competitors need to improve their conditions.

In the Intermediates we saw Tim Burkley from Soho Gym in London back and much improved from last year. He is a big man with a fantastic future ahead of him in Bodybuilding. In my notes I have written that this guy has great biceps, triceps and outstanding delts. Then there were the full, thick lats and terrific legs. In fact his only weakness was that he could have been harder. He was harder than last year and with his mass he need not worry about getting too small when he is dieting down. He was well prepared, with good colour and unique jet black, velvet finish posing trunks. Very professional. In 2nd was Mark Norris from Castle Gym in Windsor with good shape and size. He was great from the back with terrific traps, large lats and splendid spinal erectors. Into 3rd was Graham McAdams from Fitness First on Swindon. He had a nice shape but needs more mass.

The 70 kg Class was an easy win for John Oduor Ochar from Prime Bodies in Swindon. He has a tiny, tiny waist and classic proportions. The other 70 kg man, Aziz Khafagi needs much more work, particularly in the legs.

In the 80 Kg Class Jason Maker form Cheetahs Gym in Hove was a deserving winner. He should one day make a good 90 kg competitor. In 2nd was Joe Dwan, a home trainer from Swindon. He was OK but needs to straighten his shoulders — pull them back — and tighten up his waist area. Dean Harris was 3rd.

The 90 kg Class was the biggest class of the day with 7 competitors. Mark Cameron from City Gym in Portsmouth was just about good enough to beat Tom Blackman. Mark had a very nice shape with very full muscles and outstanding hams and calves. His pecs and delts were were thick and well separated. Tom Blackman from LA Gym in Bristol had lots of muscle but with a wide[ish] waist. His teardrops in his legs were heavy just above the knee but he needed more thickness higher up and in the hams. He would have been better sharper. Nigel Magner from Body 2 Body was in this class and I placed him about 5th. He has lots of potential but he is too tall for a 90 kg man. He needs to be an aesthetically pleasing, well-proportioned 90 kg+ man. In a year or two he will be just that.

In the HW Class Rob Hill looked like the winner when he came on stage but he tried quite hard to lose. Jerry Blackwell from Unique Bodies in Oxford had a good upper body, thick and sharp and it seemed that he had made Rob Hill think that he was beaten. Rob did not perform as he needed to at the judging and I thought he had lost it. But at the evening show having received a pep talk, he performed as he should and he hauled himslef out of the hole he had been digging to win the class. Rob was not as thick or as hard in the chest and abs but he was in another class in all back poses — much wider and thicker — and his legs were bigger and harder all round but particularly in hams and calves. The 3rd place went to Dominic Cannon from Foundation in Camberley. He had a rather bloated mid-section but still needs more leg mass. The tatoos were a negative factor. Rob Hill then went on to win the Overall again. Well done Rob. Now for the Brits in October and get arrogant !! No doubts about the quality of your physique will be permitted.

The Women’s Contests were something of a disaster zone. There were two women in the U57 kg Class and that was it for Women’s Bodybuilding. Marina Cornwall and Rachel Greenhalgh were both invited to the British Finals. Similarly, there were just two women in the Fitness Class, Leigh Gardner and Georgina Tier.

Massive Marcus Ruhl

The star of the South Coast was massive Marcus Ruhl. He was weighing a bulky 315 lbs. Although not in contest shape, he was not bad and the sheer muscle thickness was mind-blowing. Big H, 6ft 2in and weighing almost exactly the same was positively sylph-like in comparison. Marcus put on a great show, walking down into the audience and leaving us gobsmacked!. Marcus is also a hell of a nice guy; very friendly and totally without arrogance and with a sense of humour. A German with a sense of humour? Another stereotype bites the dust.

Marcus's seminar was well recieved and even an old bugger like me enjoyed listening to him.

It was sensational for me to see the stars you usually only read about in the magazines here. Included were Ernie Taylor, Dorian Yates and Naseer El Sonbaty. There they were, in the flesh!

Paul Smith organized an excellent EFBB day at Portsmouth at Easter on March 31st 2002. The Guildhall was an ambitious venture. There was a friendly atmosphere with lots of smiling faces. It was a bit crowded backstage for the many competitors, but no worries, no one complained.

There were some new stars emerging – in the same way that last summer we had seen some new ANB talent – Aidan Badder and Paulo Messina at Dorchester. The best EFBB physiques, which I found had impressed me with their star quality, were Paul Repper, Richard Duerdoth and Paul Stenning, all very big and powerful.

The show followed the usual format of classes – first timers, novices, master etc.

There were some promising young lads. One, a potential rising star, with a big chest and shoulders in the classic poses, much like a young Steve Reeves. Among the novices was Raphael Nicchi, from Italy, who also had a good set of shoulders and chest, though I was told by another observer that they felt his abs were a little blocky.

It’s a pity more ladies don’t enter nowadays. The two girls that did, looked very feminine and attractive – Marina Cornwell and Sue Kennedy.

In the over 90-kilo class Barry Chamberlain looked bigger and bulkier than he had last year. He also competed soon after at the Nabba in Gosport.

I felt that there was a real good atmosphere at this competition. A real family event.

Paul Smith had told me earlier in the evening show, which I was unable to stay for, that many more people came – making nearly 1000 in all. He’s booked the same venue for Easter 2003. Congratulations Paul.

The Portsmouth Guildhall was the massive new venue for the first contest organised by Paul Smith, the new EFBB local rep and local CNP supplement distributor.

When I saw the sheer size of the auditorium I thought Paul was being rather ambitious, given the small turnouts in recent years down south. But that evening a noisy crowd of 1,000 turned up to fill the seats and prove me entirely wrong. It takes a lot of guts to “take the plunge”, but if you put enough money and effort into a show, it often pays dividends.

FIRST TIMERS

A huge line-up of ten in this class, won by STEVE CRABBE with a very hard tight physique.
Runner up was IAN CLARKE with a very full muscled, well shaped physique.

Third was GABRIEL NICCHI with a particular good upper body and abdominal section.
Other notable competitors were:

4th: DAVE COOPER – looking huge, very wide and full, and great legs too.
5th: MARIO VACCARO – a very tight and hard physique with great separations.
6th: DANNY TURNER – a good upper body with super abs. 7th: LEE DICKEN – great condition and separations, with impressive calves.
8th – IAIN McALLEN – great back width and heavy traps.
9th: PAUL BRIGGS – a neat physique.
10th: MARK BIRCH – one hell of a big guy, a real lump of muscle. Okay, he doesn’t like to diet! But who does?

JUNIORS

Considering the fact that many recent contests have had no juniors at all, this was something of a bonus. Three great competitors!
The winner was clearly RICHARD DUERDOTH, who has already developed a sizeable well-shaped physique, plus tremendous sharp condition.
2nd: MATHEW LEE COOK – a nice looking physique with good hard condition.
3rd: GARY FARR – the youngest guy of the three, and rather smooth in comparison, but he’s got plenty of muscle mass and potential for the future.

SENIORS

A superb line-up of mature physiques. The winner could be a double for TV character ‘Lovejoy’; except I’m sure our roguish antique-dealer can’t boast the development of PAUL REPPER. Great separation, and impressive legs and calves.
2nd: CHARLES GRANTING – a huge man and very well proportioned.
3rd: ALAN MEDHURST – a good upper body, great back and pectorals.

INTERMEDIATES

Another healthy class of six competitors.
The winner was JOE DWAN with a very ripped physique, ultra cut glutes and deep seps. Good legs too. Okay, he poses like a nut case, but sometimes it’s good to enjoy yourself on stage and just let everything go.
2nd: MICK FREEMAN – a complete package, very tight physique with impressive hamstrings, legs, pecs and abs.
3rd: SEAN FELTON – A well-balanced physique, especially his upper body.
4th: CHRIS SMITH – Hard and well balanced, with great legs. 5th: JON BOWLES – a tremendous well muscled full physique, though he could be harder.
6th: PAUL CARTER – Full and shapely with loads of mass to play with, but not exactly ripped.

LADIES UNDER 52kg

Not a huge class, but a well fought one.
The winner MARINA CORNWALL has a well-balanced physique and superbly sharp condition. Great legs too.
2nd: SUSANNE KENNEDY – A great upper body with an impressive waist-to-back taper.

UNDER 70kg

Not a huge class, but two great competitors.
The winner was JOHN ODOUR with a top quality overall physique, including an impressive overall physique, including an impressive back-to-waist ratio and strong leg development.
2nd: MARK DEANE – A great shape with superb condition, especially good upper body with impressive abs and pecs.

UNDER 80kg

Only two in this class as well, with stalwart DAVE THACKRAY taking the honours. Plenty of muscle mass and near perfect proportions.
2nd: TIM TAYLOR wasn’t as well balanced maybe, but he’s got massive legs and great pecs.

UNDER 90kg

A trio of strong contenders here, although the end result was fairly clear.

Out in front was winner PAUL STENNING: very cut, with a great back and narrow waist section, and superb chest.
Second came DAN PARKER, again sporting a top-class upper body with wide shoulders and back and prominent chest.
Third was TONY GOLDTHORPE who scored highly with well-rounded legs and calves, but was let down by slightly below par condition.

OVER 90kg

A great class with three and a half great physiques. (One guy dropped out before the evening show. Chicken!).

BARRY CHAMBERLAIN came out on top with his incredible size and condition. Good muscle separation. He trains at the Weights Room in Southampton, who have sent us a nice article about Barry and his recovery from a serious injury.
Second was DANNY LISTER who seems to be emerging from his rather smooth junior look! Loads of potential – massive arms and legs.
Third was DARREN TURNER whose combination of muscle size and sharp condition could have given him top spot. A wide physique with plenty of mass in the limbs, giving young Lister a run for his money.

GUEST STARS

ERNIE TAYLOR and NASEER EL SONBATY brought the house down. Ernie’s ‘new look’ is a tremendous improvement, and his legs seem to be an entirely new pair. At last they seem to match his upper body! (only joking ET!). Naseer gave a seminar at the end of the judging, which was very well attended. He’s far more intelligent than most of the other pro’s and that makes his talk more revealing, especially when he talks about the inner workings of the IFBB.

LAST WORDS

Everyone was in agreement that PAUL SMITH – the new EFBB man for the South Coast – had got off to a great start, and the huge new theatre was perfect. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a few national contests down in the Guildhall…………

The compere MIKE AHERNE gave the contest that extra proffesional touch which makes all the difference. He even halted the show at one point so that they could fetch me from the bar to do the photos. Very thoughtful, but I still don’t know how he knew where I was………