ONE of the strongest events of the season takes place this Sunday – the PCA British Championships.
Some argue that the event showcases the best of British bodybuilding. With more than 600 competitors across various divisions, the PCA British Championships will feature athletes in categories such as Men's Bodybuilding, Men's Physique, Bikini, Figure and Women's Wellness. And for the first time in its history, there will be two additional professional categories – Masters Pro and Masters Bikini Pro.
As usual the finals takes place over a full weekend, combining it with a highly successful Expo. The event will have numerous sponsors, including major brands in nutrition, fitness equipment and apparel. Some of the stands in attendance will include No Pressure No Diamond, Monster Factory, GasMark 10 and Arlo's Bakehouse.
Winners from each category will qualify for the PCA World Championships in Amsterdam next month (November 17). Some will even be awarded the prestigious PCA Pro Card. Those who are will be given up to £250 towards their flights to the World Championships.
With world-class athletes, an expo and the backing of top fitness brands, the finals is set to be one of the most competitive and exciting events on the UK bodybuilding calendar.
The PCA said on their social media feed: "This will be our largest-ever British Finals. The PCA British Finals featuring more than 30 qualifiers and more than 4,500 athletes. This culminates in a finals event with more than 600 participants. Winning the PCA British Finals is statistically the most challenging and exclusive title in Britain."
DAY 1 – Physique & Bikini
Section A Start - 11am (Reg 9.30am)
Section B Start - 3.00pm (Reg - 1.30pm)
DAY 2 – Bodybuilding & Figure
Section A Start - 10am (Reg - 8am)
Section B Start - 3.00pm (Reg - 1.30pm)
COREY BARRETT
COREY BARRETT stunned the audience when winning the PCA Wales Bodybuilding Medium class on September 1. Not only that, but he followed it up by taking the overall as well. Great lines, excellent condition and tremendous shape make Barrett one to watch on Sunday.
He said: "The week leading up to this weekend has been super relaxed and chilled. No stress whatsoever. Even with my coach in Vegas watching the Olympia, he’s been waiting up at night for my check ins. I couldn’t ask for more from him.
"As far as Sunday goes, I’m heading into it with no expectations I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to get up there with the rest of them and do our thing. I can’t wait for it and the whole weekend in general. Let’s get it and see what happens come Sunday."
NEIL ANDREWS
NEIL ANDREWS returned to competitive bodybuilding this year after a brush with death. Following a routine trip to the dentist, bacteria entered his bloodstream through a cut in his gum and ate away his heart valve, causing endocarditis. He needed emergency surgery to fit a mechanical heart valve, with doctors telling him they had no idea how he was alive.
He won the 2Bros RL Coaching Cup overall title on July 6, before storming to victory at the PCA Central Masters Over 40s. Many also had him winning the overall in that show. Andrews is heavily muscular and will never be beaten on condition.
Ahead of Sunday's British Finals, he said: "I'm feeling blessed to be able to be on that British stage again among the best after a successful comeback season."
CHRIS SWANN
CHRIS SWANN qualified by winning the Bodybuilding Tall class at the PCA Wales on September 1.
Not many tall bodybuilders carry the aesthetically pleasing shape Swann does. And this puts him at a huge advantage over his rivals. As does the fact he brings a razor-sharp condition to the stage.
He said: "This week we have tried to keep things as relaxed as possible, no crazy "loading" or anything. I'm in the best shape I have been in, so we're keeping things low stress and simple. I can't wait to get up there and stand among some amazing guys."
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