CAMERON CLEAVER carved up the opposition by winning the Classic Physique category then taking the overall at the first BPA Superhuman Show.
The event, promoted by Phil and Sarah Caine, also included a magician and a guest spot by emcee and Classic bodybuilder Dr Andrew Chappell.
But the biggest stars were overall champions, Cleaver and Blanka Harvey, two rising young physique athletes with bright futures, who took home £500 each at the end of a memorable day of muscle.
Classic Physique featured the biggest line-up of the day, with seven guys jostling on stage. And it was no shoo-in for Cleaver. Runner-up James Tildsley had a lot of muscle and was harder, but Cleaver really looked the part for the class and was a deserving winner. His physique has a lot going on – superb proportions and lines, accentuated by great posing and an excellent vacuum. A real talent.
Cleaver's biggest threat for the overall was Jim Georgiou, a monster of a man who won the Masters Over-40s, as well as the Over-90kg weight class.
The Over-40s was strong, with all four guys showing shredded glutes. Second to fourth places were close but Georgiou's size stood out. He was not the leanest and his waist is not that narrow but he packs an impressive amount of muscle and has a killer X-frame. Some of his poses are sensational and he epitomised the day’s superhuman theme more than anyone.
The Over-90s featured another competitive line-up, with William Lloyd also presenting a ton of muscle to push Georgiou hard. Third placed Peter Muscolino displayed outstanding legs and glutes on a quality frame, but his upper body looked a little flat and dry in comparison with his legs.
Luke Porter was the clear winner in Novice Bodybuilding. His density immediately set him apart and he emerged as the clear winner ahead of the well balanced and lean Jay Berry. It was a shame Porter did not stick around for the weight classes, as he looked equipped to do some damage.
There was little to separate all four guys in the Under-90kg class, but Alex Porter’s extra muscularity helped him take the title. Bodybuilding Under 80kg winner Jamie Wheatley displayed a fresh and healthy look.
Timothy Bird was one of the day’s breakout stars – at the age of 64. Competing in his first show, he whipped the youngsters in the Over-50s before also taking the Over-60s winner’s trophy. Conditioning was king for Bird.
In men’s physique, Dexter Alexander was the standout pick in the open class, thanks to his shape and extra chest thickness.
Steven Havvas (below) was dwarfed height-wise in Masters Men’s Physique Over-35s but his shape and good chest development helped him take the title. Havvas also won the Fit Model category, beating two other guys, to round off a memorable day.
Ali Sidat sent his army of fans home happy in the Men's Physique Over-40s by taking the title in a five-man showdown. Runner-up Mark Winder is an accomplished competitor, with good calves as well as a pleasing shape. Over-50s winner Neil Barsby displayed excellent condition.
Novice Men’s Physique was close between winner Jason Chaplin and runner-up Ali Al Waleedi, but Chaplin's greater upper body thickness and taper prevailed.
In the female classes, Blanka Harvey – the last competitor on stage all day – stole the show. Entering Open Bikini, she took the title, then beat the other class winners for the overall champion’s sword and £500. Harvey has built a terrific bikini body, which combined with her effervescent stage personality brings dynamite to the stage.
Figure champion Andrea Beers also made an impression, winning both the Open Figure class and the Over-35 category. Her proportions and stage presence were outstanding and her conditioning looked spot on.
It was a shame Women’s Physique winner Samaneh Almashyani (above) did not stick around for the overall. Almashyani wowed the audience early in the show with a spectacular display of muscle and shape. She spent a lot of time hitting back poses and it was easy to see why – she must have one of the best developed female backs in the country.
Novice Bikini winner Tilly Anne Appley-Smith was lean and athletic, while the Masters Over-35 division featured a close encounter between the well-trained forms of Charlene Tracey and Alice Greenhill. There was little to separate the two, but Tracey was a touch darker and better conditioned, while remaining within the bounds of Bikini.
Sharma Barker overcame Francesca Newby, who was in great condition but was possibly too muscular and hard for Bikini, in the Over-40s. Over-50s champion Louise Taylor showed outstanding proportions and managed to look good from every angle – not easy at any age – and certainly not after 50.
