By John Plummer
IT WAS called the BPA Impact Classic and competitors – including Sarah Page and Nader Zareinoor – certainly took the opportunity to make an impact at this new event.
The contest at Cranford Community College was the BPA’s first event in the London area this year.
Organised by Impact Gym and Events, it was staged alongside a Goa Day festival in a neighbouring field.
The BPA once again showed what it was about by having swords and £500 cash prizes for the men’s and women’s overall champions. There were trophies and champions jackets for class winners and additional flowers and tiaras for the female champions.
There were some stunning physiques but at the end of the day the overall titles went to incredible newcomer Sarah Page and the vastly experienced Nader Zareinoor. Here’s how it played out.
FEMALE CLASSES
Sarah Page (above) looked so developed and accomplished it was hard to believe it was her first time on stage. The 34-year-old, who does cosplay as her idol Chyna, the late American wrestler, won women’s physique. She then overcame an extremely strong overall line-up to emerge as a star.
At 5ft 5in and a power-packed 67kg, Sarah Page looks like Chyna but with a better physique. Asked if her first time on stage was as good as she hoped she simply replied: “Better.” Look for more from this personal trainer from Peterborough’s prolific Fitness Station gym.
Page's closest rival in the overall appeared to be open bikini champion Tanya Lenna. Her flawless shape, accentuated by fine conditioning and stage presence, brought a very high-quality physique to the stage.
Maggie Turner (above) also excelled, winning the open and Masters Bodyfitness categories by displaying a beautiful shape and excellent posing. Helena Gomm’s excellent conditioning pushed her hard in the masters category. Then Briar Pitts, who initially entered bikini but was deemed too muscular, provided tough opposition in the open class.
You will see few better over-50s physiques than that belonging to Hatty McCafferty. She was the perfect example of how training and nutrition can yield incredible results at any age.
MALE CLASSES
There was nada anyone could do to stop Nader Zareinoor (second from left, below) storming to the overall title. At 45, he has been competing for almost 20 years and has a long list of shows on his 2024 calendar, culminating in November.
You might think being on stage so often would make it difficult to peak. But he was the best conditioned athlete on show.
First, he overcame the tall and impressive Barry Pitts in the over-40s, then his 87kg frame shone in the overall.
Daniel Jay Smith continues to impress and frustrate. The under-100kg bodybuilder has a seriously good physique, with good density and shape. But he needs to get tighter if he is to retain his BPA British title.
Macbeth Fernandes’ fresh and shapely physique took the under-80kg bodybuilding division. Pranav Shenoy’s extra thickness prevailed in the under-90kg line-up. Simon Marsh overcame Sean Ferguson in the over-50s.
In men’s physique, Grant Coles overcame Mark Winders in the over-40s. But he was pipped in the open class by the fabulous shape of Jahlani McCalmon — an athlete with real potential.
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