By Gary Chappell
CHRISTIAN CHAPMAN has already made plans to return as a 2Bros show promoter next year describing his first outing as an "absolutely unbelievable day".
Chapman and business partner Tim Stewart promoted the 2Bros Physique Pro Open and Natural Classic in Milton Keynes on Saturday, September 26, the federation's final regional qualifier of the year – and their biggest of the season with almost 350 athletes on stage.
And one of their proudest achievements, according to Chapman, was keeping the show running to schedule.
“Absolutely unbelievable day,” he said. “Considering there was nearly 350 athletes, everyone was on stage at the time that was stated, pretty much, which was a feat in itself.”
Chapman says there are already plans to build on the experience and improve the operation further when the show returns next year.
“We have plans to help with that next year, and we’re looking forward to it.”
While the scale of the event presented an obvious logistical challenge, Chapman’s focus was equally on the quality of the athletes who appeared on stage.
He said the atmosphere throughout the day remained positive, with competitors across all divisions contributing to what he regarded as a successful debut.
“An amazing day, super smooth, everyone on good vibes, some elite level athletes on stage,” he said.
Then he corrected himself. “Well, no, everyone was elite level on stage across all divisions.”
FrontDouble.com was in attendance on Saturday. While we can agree the show did run very smoothly, in our role as independent bodybuilding media, we cannot agree that "everyone" was elite level.
The overwhelming majority were elite, of that there can be no question. But there were one or two who were weeks – if not months – away from being stage ready. If these people are not being coached then surely it falls to the federation to say, 'sorry, but we cannot allow you to get on stage with such lack of condition'?
In an age where every man and his dog has a mobile phone, there is no hiding place and social media can be cruel. Surely the federation has a duty of care to people so far off?
Another point of note is the lack of maintaining at the very least front relaxed pose while standing just off centre stage during comparison rounds. FrontDouble has always been of the impression that as soon as a competitor steps on stage they are being judged. But on Saturday, particularly in the men's divisions, far too many competitors were standing far too relaxed; hands on hips and presenting a soft, "who cares" look. And that was far from elite.
But Chapman is correct in part; elite covered most of the physiques on show. Special mention should go to the likes of Classic winner Cameron Cleaver and third place finisher Elliot Robinson.
Cleaver's shape, structure, posing ability and stage presence is magnificent. He was a worthy winner, despite what appeared to be a large blemish or lump on his right quad. His lower body dominance was such, however, that it saw him past third-placed Robinson, who is without doubt the finest poser in the country right now. His individual routine was worth the entry fee alone.
Perhaps the only other aspect to mention is a line in the judges feedback, where they said to one particular athlete FrontDouble is aware of that their "tan was good". But one would expect it to be; competitors had to pay well over £100 for it, could not use their own tan and, frankly, had it not been and competitors were marked down on it, would have solid grounds to be angry. That judges deemed it appropriate to mention the tan at all seems somewhat odd.
Still, overall Chapman's verdict was correct; almost 350 athletes in a show run with close to military precision is something to proud of.
As Chapman added: "This time next year, let’s get it.”
Leave a Reply