By John Plummer
A TOTAL of £1,000 was awarded to the overall champions of the BPA Irish Grand Prix in Belfast on May 24 — plus two of the coolest trophies in the sport.
The BPA’s trophies are among the reasons why it has become such a fast-growing physique organisation. The class winners often need a hand to carry their prizes, which also include vouchers, flowers and tiaras as well as trophies, off-stage.
But BPA Irish promoter Steve Graham goes even further by presenting the unique Finn McCool and Irish Warrior Princess trophies to the overall male and female champions at the end of the show each year.
This year’s recipients were both competing in only their second-ever shows.
Brazilian-born mechanic Felipe Arboleya, who lives in Cork, overcame a horrendous final week of prep – in which his mum fell seriously ill and almost died – to win Classic Physique and then the overall. Arboleya also has two children, including an eight-week old, and when his partner gave birth he continued to prep his meals for the labour ward so he could be with her.
Arboleya (above) tough prep explained why he sunk to his knees in tears after he was announced the overall champion. He is nowhere near his full potential yet, but he has the kind of structure that stands out. And he did just that in an overall line-up that included no fewer than 10 competitors.
Martyna Ratkiewicz was the female champion of champions, having made the long trip from Gravesend in Kent. She, too, is not the finished article – her lower body will need more muscle for wellness but again she has a structure and stage presence that catches the eye, even against other class winners.
The personal trainer and online coach, who had been on prep since January, overcame Michelle McKinley in wellness and then took the overall.
MEN’S CLASSES
Men’s physique champion John Ermer Adena displayed a terrific shape and was a strong contender for the overall. With a little more conditioning, it could have been his.
Masters competitors were again out in force. Kyle Vauls showed his quality with an improved showing on the previous week to win the over-50s bodybuilding. JJ Dunne took the over-60s, then outmuscled the impressive Matthew Tuite in the up to 80kg class.
Keith Gillespie’s sharp lines took the Masters Men’s Physique over-40 class. Craig Neil was the pick of a contrasting over-50s. David Nicholl was the most muscular and Felix McAlinden was the leanest, but Neil was the most balanced.
Heavyweight bodybuilding was one of the best classes of the day. Matthew Gilbert, who was not only the biggest guy on stage but has an excellent structure with great potential, took the nod over Andrew Hogan, who had great conditioning. Ferenc Szentesi’s pleasing shape won the up to 90kg class.
David Stewart’s accomplished physique and posing routine took the Masters Classic Physique class. Andrew Hogan won Novice Bodybuilding, which featured three evenly matched guys to start the show.
WOMEN’S CLASSES
Wellness and overall champion Martyna Ratkiewicz was the last person in the entire show to appear on stage. But despite the late hour, she made quite an impact. Ratkiewicz has fantastic lines that she presents well on an imposing frame that stands some six feet tall in heels.
Lauren Baker won both the Figure and Women’s Physique categories. Baker is currently trying to pack on size to move up from figure to Women’s Physique. She is still probably more the former than the latter but, whichever way you slice it, she brought a lean and muscular physique, plus great energy, that would shine in any category.
The stunning Graine Rice (above) made a strong impression in winning Novice Bikini. Rice needs more time to develop but she clearly has the tools to go far in the sport. Masters Bikini champion Michelle McKinley rocked the stage with a fabulous athletic form that showcased the virtues of the fitness lifestyle.
