James O'Neill's story is one of the great comebacks in UK bodybuilding. He first stepped on stage as a teenager in 1989, finishing second in his debut teen show and competed through the teen, junior and novice ranks until 1996. The highlight of that first era was winning the WPF Junior Mr Wales title in 1991 and his best novice result was fourth at the NABBA Britain in 1996.
Then he walked away for 28 years.
James returned to the stage in 2024 at the IBFA Rhondda, finishing second out of nine in the Over 50s. It was the first sign that time hadn't slowed him down. He won his very next show, the NABBA South West Over 45s, before finishing 2nd at the PCA Hampshire.
His latest season has been the best of his career. James won the PCA Wales Over 50s, then had a remarkable day at the UKUP British: he won both the Open Tall class and the Over 50s to earn his UKUP pro card. He entered the pro show that same night and won the Pro Over 40s, earning an invitation to the WABBA Universe in Spain. He followed that with second in the 2Bros Milton Keynes Over 50s, then won the Over 55s at the PCA Masters.
More than 35 years after his first show, James is competing at the highest level of his career, with the WABBA Universe on November 7 still to come.
Career highlights
UKUP Pro card
UKUP British Champion: Open Tall and Over 50s
UKUP Pro Over 40s winner, on his pro debut the same night
Invited to the WABBA Universe, Spain
PCA Masters Over 55s Champion
PCA Wales Over 50s Champion
NABBA South West Over 45s Champion
WPF Junior Mr Wales (1991)
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