THE World Fitness Federation (WFF) held its first UK show in years on Sunday – and President Kelley Szostak said it was "everything I could have expected and more".
Szostak revealed the turnout of both competitors, spectators and sponsors was excellent for the British Grand Prix at The Hangar in Wolverhampton. And the team are already looking ahead to their next show in Exeter on August 10.
In an exclusive interview with frontdouble.com. she said: "The show was amazing. It was incredible. It was everything I could have ever expected and more – in every possible way. The day ran smoothly, there was no hiccups, there was no queries or quarrels over judging results. The athletes were lovely. There were some really lovely people and everybody was just super grateful that the show was run so nice.
"One thing I kept getting compliments on was how nice everyone was. People were saying was how nice it was that everyone was so friendly and it was so relaxed. They didn't feel like they were being herded like cattle, or being rushed. Everyone was saying it was so nice to have open communication, where people were encouraging and talking people through everything they needed to do and where they needed to go. That's because we [WFF UK] run things a little bit differently in terms of fitness classes. We don't do an I-walk, we do a T-Walk."
The T-walk is primarily for the fitness classes. It involves walking in a T motion from the rear of the stage to the front, then left and right. Szostak explained: "A lot of athletes who are newer into the industry have never had the experience of a T-Walk. The T-Walk was the traditional way we used to do fitness class presentations.
"So you would come on stage and you would do what is now your I-Walk. You'd do all your four turns, then you'd walk off to the right, then all the way to the left. Then you'd go back to the centre and you'd say your thank you's and you'd walk off. But they cut it short. A lot of federations were getting so many athletes in the fitness categories that they weren't able to offer as much stage time.
"Most fitness guys and girls get about 30 seconds, whereas we offer a full 60 seconds to do their routine. That was something that the athletes were saying, that they love the idea of. Because they do feel when they do the I-Walk that they are rushed off stage. And it's just to bring them in line with their figure and bodybuilding comrades. Because they get a full 60 seconds to express themselves completely."
Stuart Denny (above) impressed in the Novice class. So much so that he went on to win the Men's Overall title. Emma Harding (top) took the Female Overall, after winning the Trained Figure title.
The WFF UK's opening show also enjoyed various sponsors, with a number of businesses offering their merchandise at the venue. The Buff Baker, Peak Escapade, Clean Eats Kitchen, Edge Strong, Premier Gym and Gym Rats Clothing were among the sponsors. And there was a healthy crowd to boot.
Szostak said: "The vibe was really good. The crowd was really good and we were pretty much full right up until the end. The venue was buzzing, it was great. There were just so many compliments and I've had loads of messages from athletes and other promoters. I had messages from well-established international WFF presidents telling me they were really excited for me. And that they'll be watching from afar to see how we go. It was really encouraging.
"I was very nervous beforehand. I had a lot of anxieties around everything because there is a lot of expectation. And I've put a lot of work into it. I'm a mum, I work full time and every spare moment I've had I've been working on the fed. Even during this interview I'm sat here with my four year old on my lap."
Those anxieties will quickly morph into confidence, however. Especially as there is already a buzz around their next outing at the Exeter Corn Exchange in August.
Szostak (above) said: "That show is already building some amazing momentum. We've already had athletes register for it. And we've had interest from coaches who want to bring their athletes from down that way – even from London. They're really interested, really keen. Athletes that were there on Sunday have already messaged me and said they've had other athletes that they've competed with at other federations reach out and say, 'what was it like, was it good, should I consider it?
"It's comforting to know that all of my efforts haven't gone unnoticed. But it's not just me, it's the whole WFF team. I think a lot of people believe that it is just me. But we are a team. There's myself, there's Carly and Jay Howlett, Chris Williams, there's Paul Knight and Sharon Douglas. It's a team effort."
