Sasan Heirati wins FIBO 2026: “We’re going back to the Olympia”
Sasan Heirati secured early Mr Olympia qualification with victory at FIBO 2026, declaring ‘it feels unreal’ after his first-place finish in Germany
By Gary Chappell
SASAN HEIRATI has qualified for the Mr Olympia after winning the 2026 FIBO Pro in Germany – securing his place on bodybuilding’s biggest stage far earlier than last season.
Heirati, who qualified for the Olympia in 2025 following a string of strong performances, returned to FIBO this weekend and went one better than last year’s runner-up finish. This time, he took the title.
Footage emerging from the event described the performance as an “absolutely lights-out showing”, as the Briton delivered what many are already calling his best package to date.
A step forward from 2025
Twelve months ago, Heirati pushed hard but fell just short at FIBO, finishing second. That result formed part of a run that ultimately saw him qualify for the Mr Olympia later in the season.
Now, there is no waiting. No chasing. No near misses. Just qualification, secured in April.
Writing on social media, Heirati said: "We’re going BACK to the OLYMPIA!! First place at FIBO Germany last night and it feels unreal."
Heirati’s rise has been built on steady improvements in condition and presentation, but this showing felt different.
Where previous contests saw him edged out, this time the overall package, size, condition and shape, appeared to land decisively in his favour.
And with qualification already secured, the focus now shifts entirely to refinement.
Olympia focus begins now
At 39, Heirati has previously suggested his competitive window may be limited. That makes moments like this count even more.
Instead of chasing qualification deep into the season, he now has time – time to improve, time to dial in and time to bring his best possible version to the Olympia stage.
For UK bodybuilding, Heirati’s win adds further strength to an already growing presence at the top level.
With Samson Dauda already established among the elite, Heirati’s continued progression ensures Britain remains firmly in the conversation.
Samson Dauda: ‘I paid the price for not being bigger’ after Mr Olympia loss
Former Mr Olympia Samson Dauda admits chasing condition cost him size as he finished fourth in 2025 behind Derek Lunsford
By Gary Chappell
SAMSON DAUDA says losing his Mr Olympia title "hurts" as he admitted chasing condition saw him sacrifice too much size.
Dauda, winner in 2024, was awarded fourth place at the Olympia contest in Las Vegas, USA. Derek Lunsford was announced the winner, reclaiming the title he first won in 2023.
Standing alongside Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, who finished second, and third-placed Andrew Jacked, Dauda appeared somehow slimmer than last year – if that is possible at a weight of about 280lbs plus.
But writing on social media afterwards, the Briton said: "Sometimes doing everything right still doesn’t give you the result you hoped for.
"We came in fourth this year at the Olympia. I won’t lie, it hurts. I listened, adjusted and brought the best version of myself to the stage… leaner, sharper and in the best condition of my life.
"But in chasing perfection, I paid the price for not being the bigger version."
Dauda's setback, however, has made the "fire burn even brighter" – which means it is definitely game on in 2026.
He said: "Still, I hold my head high. Because what we [coach and wife Marlenka] achieved was something special. The journey, the growth, the resilience… that’s what defines a true athlete.
"Massive congratulations to Derek on winning his second title and to all the incredible competitors who brought their absolute best this weekend. Sharing the stage with you all is an honour every single time.
"This isn’t the end, it’s a chapter. The fire burns even brighter now.
"Thank you all for the love, support and belief. We’ll be back. And we’ll make sure I'll be better and stronger."
Sasan Heirati, also from the UK, finished joint 16th, effectively out of the placings, on his Olympia debut, while Britain's Ryan Terry successfully defended his Men's Physique Olympia title, winning for a third consecutive time.
Anthony Chia-Bradley saves IBFA Liverpool 2025 after show nearly scrapped
The IBFA Liverpool show was set to be cancelled before photographer Anthony Chia-Bradley stepped in to save it and introduce a new format for 2025
By Gary Chappell
The IBFA Liverpool 2025 show has been saved after photographer Anthony Chia-Bradley stepped in at the last minute to prevent it being cancelled.
Anthony Chia-Bradley, whose stage photos have graced the bodybuilding scene for almost 20 years, has introduced some exceptional trophies for this season's incarnation.
And to top that there will be three overall winners – men, women and male Classic Physique. The latter overall winner will receive a trophy of the iconic pose from Masters bodybuilder James Room, captured from his now infamous posing routine (below).
"The trophies for the IBFA Liverpool are going to be really good," said Chia-Bradley during an exclusive interview with frontdouble.com. "We've got this warrior style trophy. One for the ladies and one for the men's. Mark Fox is doing all of those. The men's ones are more like Conan the Barbarian type. And the girls' ones are kind of like a Viking warrior princess.
"And one thing that's going to be different from the other IBFA shows is that we're having an overall Classic winner. We're going to have a Masters Classic, Short Classic and Tall Classic – then we're going to have the overall Classic. And we've got the James Room statue, which is going to be for the overall Classic. And James is going to present that himself."
Chia-Bradley has been capturing iconic images across the bodybuilding world since 2008 after a period producing digital artwork of competitors. He explained: "I did digital artwork of bodybuilders from taking a photograph, manipulating it on the computer and changing colours. I started producing them for gyms and stuff like that. Then I had an exhibition in London with the artwork and they hired four bodybuilders as part of the event.
"I took some photographs of them. I'd never really done any kind of photography before that. But people started to say, 'why don't you take my photos and then use that for the artwork rather than taking pictures off the internet and stuff like that'?. So that's what I started to do. And the guy who was the official photographer of the event called me and he said, 'I think you have a real eye for the physique and the way you capture it'. So that was really how it started."
If that can be considered a lucky break, then his expertise and talent behind the lens can be considered as the reason he was chosen to save the IBFA Liverpool.
He said: "When Matthew Ali took over the presidency of the IBFA, he said: 'I want you at all the shows. Then what happened was somebody let Matthew down with regard to the IBFA Liverpool, so then he was going to scrap the show.
"I have a really good relationship with Matthew and he said, 'people are asking about the Liverpool. Why don't you do it'? It'll be great. We'll call it the IBFA Liverpool ACB [Anthony Chia-Bradley] Classic'. And I was like, I don't know, I'm not sure I've got the money to kind of invest. And he went, 'I'll go half with you'."
Chia-Bradley continued: "I've brought in about 14 or 15 sponsors and I'm very grateful to them all. It's incredible that they've shown so much support. Some of it, some of it. Some of my friends I've known in the industry, Lee Kemp, from the UK Drug Free Bodybuilding. He's going to sponsor two of my classes and has been really supportive. And some of my other friends, like Debra Shelton, who's a PT. So I've been very fortunate.
The show will take place in the Grand Hall at the Florey in Liverpool and former promotor and Masters Over 60s competitors Alex Large has also been helping out. Chia-Bradley said: "Alex has been great. He's going to guest pose for me. Drew Walker [bodybuilder] going to open the show too.
"I'm hoping that it's going to be a really good family atmosphere. That we're going to bring a fun Liverpool feel to it. And hopefully have a lot of support from the Liverpoodlians themselves. Because I think they've all got a great sense of humour. I've got Ronnie Orr who is going to compare for me. He's quite a big name in Liverpool. He's fantastic on the stage. He knows exactly what he's doing. Which is great as, because I'll be doing the photos. We've got some really nice prizes and I'm going to give everybody a little key ring with the weights on. So everybody who comes and competes will get one of those." I don't think there's, there's not going to be prizes for every class. I just financially can't do it. "
Membership for the IBFA remains competitive at just £35 a year. Competing in one class will cost £30, with two classes coming in at £50. Registration closes on June 23, but they may be able to accommodate later entries. Chia-Bradley added: "There's so much more to promoting a show than I realised. And I'm only doing half of it because Matthew's still doing the registration. But I think the IBFA is in good hands with Matthew. He's really trying."
Carly Thornton-Davies and Llewellyn Davies qualify for Masters Olympia at Toronto Pro
Carly Thornton-Davies and Llewellyn Davies secured Masters Olympia qualification after winning at the Toronto Pro following a 25,500-mile journey
By Gary Chappell
IT IS said that bodybuilding is the loneliest of sports. But if you have your spouse in tow maybe you really can conquer the world.
As the sun began to set in the leafy Canadian city of Toronto on Sunday evening, a married British couple were emerging as the stars of the weekend. By winning their respective classes at the Toronto Pro in women's Wellness and Men's Classic Physique, the pair secured their place at the Masters Olympia.
By the time they return home, Carly Thornton-Davies and Llewellyn Davies would have flown almost 25,500 miles. To offer some perspective, the earth is 24,901 miles in circumference.
But the biggest journey is yet to come. And it is one they will cherish for ever.
The Masters Olympia will take place in Toyko, Japan, across the weekend of August 9 and 10. And it will mean a further round-trip of almost 12,000 miles. This is bodybuilding on the professional, world stage.
Some might consider it third-time lucky for the pair, this being the third competition after shows in Seattle and Miami. But luck would discount the hard graft that has been put it in at the gym, the relentless slog of cardio, the extreme discipline of what must seem now like continuous dieting. Make no mistake, reaching the pinnacle of your sport over the age of 40 has very little to do with luck.
"Mindset of success isn’t always achieving something when you want it," said Carly. "You have to work hard on becoming the character within, in order to be rewarded. I work, I show up and I believe in myself so much that the power that resides within my mind will eventually be displayed."
Llewellyn added: "What a whirlwind the past five weeks have been. We have done three shows in America and Canada and have experienced what it actually takes to make a magnificent obsession become a reality.
"We made a promise to one another and held hands each step of the way. And we refused to take no for an answer. And I can finally say we are coming home as IFBB professional bodybuilding champions and Olympians."
British success did not there, either. Open bodybuilder Sas Heirati secured his place at the Mr Olympia in Las Vegas in October. He took the Toronto Pro title, beating Regan Grimes, who had pipped him for first at the previous show in California.
Heirati said: "We did it! Finally a win, finally I’m going to the Mr Olympia after taking first place at the Toronto Pro Supershow. It was a pleasure to attend this awesome event. To say it feels unreal would be an understatement.
"I want to say a quick thank you to everyone who’s helped me get this far. We aren't done yet this season."
Lewis Breed returns to gym after serious car crash injuries
IFBB pro Lewis Breed has returned to training just days after a serious car crash left him with multiple injuries including fractures and internal bleeding
By Gary Chappell
LEWIS BREED is back in the gym just days after suffering serious injuries in a head-on car crash.
What happened to Lewis Breed?
He suffered a number of injuries in the car crash, including, concussion, fracturing his arm in three places, internal bleeding, damage to his kidneys and bladder and needing an operation on his coccyx
Breed, who revealed details of his plan to qualify for the Mr Olympia in an exclusive interview with frontdouble.com two weeks prior to the smash, posted videos of him working out with his hand still in plaster. He said: "First day back in the gym and having a play with what’s manageable. Not training like a lunatic. However, if I didn’t train it would turn me into a lunatic."
He used cuffs for some cable side lateral raises, saying: "I've never been a fan of cuffs. I like to grip and feel something. But with this we will do some cuff raises and see if it's manageable. See if we can get a good focus on the medial delt."
Breed can also be seen on the pec-deck. He moved the grip away from the hands, placing the bars into the elbow joint. He said: "I'm not putting any pressure on the wrist. I can get a nice squeeze in the pec and get some blood in there. That's all we need to do."
Finally he posted a video of some machine tricep work using the arm on which he has a cast. He said: "That's pretty decent. Because the fracture is on this underside, any pushing there is not going to cause any tension on to this side where the injury is. So that was quite nice, a nice squeeze on that one."
Breed had planned to compete at the China Open, followed by the Portugal Open in a bid to qualify for this year's Mr Olympia. And during an interview with frontdouble.com prior to the car crash, he gave thanks to his wife Holly for making him the bodybuilder he is today.
Breed had said: "My wife has a massive input. She's more invested in the sport than I am. She invests all of her time, all of her effort, researching everything that I need to be done. I am the bodybuilder I am today – I have gone from amateur, to pro, to top 10, to top six, to top three, because of my wife. Because she's so invested. Every single time I'm on stage, she analyses it. She speaks to the judges and says, 'they said this, this and this'. And we'll spend hours going, 'right, you need to do this, this is how we do it, this is how you apply this etc'. She books all my appointments, she books all my treatments. She tells me where I'm going, what I'm doing."
Sasan Heirati Vows to qualify for Mr Olympia after second at FIBO
Briton Sasan Heirati promises to reach the Mr Olympia after pushing Andrew Jacked close at FIBO with his best physique to date
By Gary Chappell
SASAN HEIRATI has vowed that he "will qualify for the Mr Olympia this year" after finishing second at FIBO in Germany.
With what many perceive was his best look to date, Heirati pushed eventual winner Andrew Jacked to the limit. It was Heirati's second successive runner-up placing, after he also finished second at the Detroit Pro, missing out to William Bonac.
Writing on social media, Heirati said: "I WILL keep going, I WILL keep improving,and I WILL get to the Mr Olympia THIS year.
"I may not have won FIBO, but I won in many other ways. And I’ve never been more driven to keep climbing. Thank you EVERYONE for the endless support, comments and messages, I’m extremely grateful, I’m going to do my best to get back to you all. But for now it’s time to fly home to my amazing family."
The support for Heirati was not in short supply. Reigning Mr Olympia and fellow Brit Samson Dauda said: "Great job brother. Had no doubt you were going to kill it."
Renowned coach and former IFBB Pro Milos Sarcev added: "You earned LOVE and RESPECT from all of us. Keep going. Keep climbing."
While Jacked was clearly the bigger man, Heirati's condition was second to none, particularly his quads. Heirati's shape and aesthetics were also superior to the winner.
In a recent podcast, Heirati hinted that this run could be his last and that he could retire within two years.
He told the Think Big Bodybuilding podcast: "I'm 39 now. And I have seen some aging in certain body parts and some aches and pains. But as a whole, after speaking to Chris [coach, Chris Aceto], I'm at my best, definitely. So for the foreseeable I'm going to try and keep going. Not for too long, because I want to be around for my kids. So I reckon I'll give it the next year or two."
The key was in the detail of what Rosiek revealed next. The reason for this, he revealed, was because the federation were looking to introduce a Pro League in 2026. Basically, they need to build an army first.
That NABBA Pro League, says Rosiek, will look to include pro shows at every area show. As it stands, there are nine NABBA area shows, not including the NABBA England.
A BRIT SPECIAL: Matt Griggs won his NABBA Pro Card at last year's British Finals
Then, don't forget, there is the NABBA British Finals and NABBA Universe. Altogether, that means a potential Pro League of 12 shows.
Which other federation currently offers 12 competitions for professional athletes? The IFBB Pro League and the IFBB Pro federation. That's it.
The PCA currently offers pro competitions at the Universe, British Championships and World Finals.
But what NABBA are offering could change the landscape entirely. A proper British-based Pro League.
The key question, however, is this: Where is the money coming from?
Naturally, frontdouble.com has already asked NABBA this very question. The response was: "Our marketing team will be releasing and sending out a press release regarding this soon."
First of all – and with the greatest amount of respect – who knew that NABBA had a marketing team?
Secondly, we must return to something else Rosiek (below) said in his post from Tuesday, January 7.
"This means there will be lots of prize money. And it means a pro can earn proper money, which is what a pro is deemed to be," said Rosiek.
So how much is "proper money"? Some pros in both the IFBB Pro League and the IFBB Pro federation offer £15,000 as first prize. Is this what we are looking at? Or are we looking at something akin to the current PCA top prizes of £2000? Maybe it is somewhere in between. Whatever the case, NABBA must have some pretty concrete deals in place in order to be confident enough to use the language in which they have used.
What is certain is that if NABBA get this right, a proper British pro league is something UK bodybuilding is crying out for. Money talks at the end of the day. So for all their shortcomings over the past few years, NABBA could just have struck gold.
BPA apologise after IFBB Pro Card confusion at Super Show
Last-minute rule changes at the BPA Super Show left some athletes choosing not to compete, while others faced confusion over IFBB Pro Card eligibility
By Gary Chappell
The British Physique Alliance has apologised after last-minute rule changes at the BPA Super Show caused confusion over IFBB Pro Card eligibility, leaving some athletes unable to compete.
Changes at the 11th hour meant some athletes were prevented from competing at the BPA Super Show. And some did not step on stage at all as planned at the IFBB Pro Night of Champions.
Some competitors had planned to compete for the last time as amateurs at the BPA Super Show. The event was a double-header with the IFBB Pro federation, combining the Night of Champions event in the evening.
The IFBB Pro Night of Champions was advertised as a 'try before you buy' event. At the time of announcing the news in June, BPA President Helen O'Reilly had said: "It's a try before you buy sort of thing. You've won it [invitation to compete as a pro ], try it, continue as a pro or go back to amateur. Then within the year decide to be a pro or continue as an amateur."
Registration for the show was set for between 4pm and 7pm the day before at the venue in Heathrow. It left many competitors battling up to four-hour delays due to rush-hour traffic. Upon arrival, some were informed that anyone who had been offered an invitation to apply for an IFBB Pro Card at the BPA British Finals in September would now not be able to compete in the Super Show. This despite the fact some had not registered their pro card with the IFBB and so were still amateurs.
It is understood the late change came from sponsor Dr Vic. He did not want those who had already gained an invitation to turn professional preventing others from doing the same. However, this question had already been put to the BPA weeks in advance of the competition. Frontdouble.com was assured this would not be the case. In fact, frontdouble.com were told that IFBB Pro Cards could be awarded to those who were of that standard, regardless of their placing.
Within the rules but within the spirit of competition?
To add to the confusion, another competitor who won their invitation for an IFBB Pro Card at the UKBFF British Finals was allowed to compete in the Super Show.
The reason they were allowed to do this is because the UKBFF/IFBB had cancelled that invitation for an IFBB Pro Card after they chose to compete at the NABBA England.
Some confusion in the rules remains, however. The competitor won a NABBA Pro Card in that event and will compete in the Pro Mr Universe on Sunday, November 3.
Despite this, the competitor was still considered an amateur by the BPA and were allowed to compete at the BPA Super Show to have a chance of re-winning their IFBB Pro Card. They did this by winning the class and subsequently competed in the IFBB Pro Night of Champions on Saturday.
However, they will now cancel that IFBB Pro card in order to compete as a NABBA Pro on Sunday.
This is clearly within the rules, however confusing they might be.
Try before you buy offered to some but not others
The confusion did not end there. At registration, some were also told that the IFBB Pro federation had just informed the BPA that the "try before you buy" option to compete at the Night of Champions was no longer on the table. They said in order to compete in that show athletes must fork out €250 to register their pro cards.
Frontdouble.com has since been told, however, that some competitors were asked to pay €180 rather than €250. And some were told they did not have to pay anything at all. Some were later even offered the "try before you buy" option that others were told was no longer available.
One person, having been told they could not compete in the Super Show but must pay €250 for the pro show, decided not to compete at all. It is understood they did not have the funds to pay the €250, especially after being told it was "try before you buy". They later travelled home only to discover the following day that others had indeed been offered the "try before you buy" option.
"The BPA can only apologise for the issues"
O'Reilly sympathises with those caught up in the miscommunication. She believes the root cause was because of the BPA dealing with a new federation for the first time.
She said: "The IFBB Pro head judge wanted bodybuilders to compete [and not be offered try before you buy] because there were only three [originally] registered. He then offered everyone either an opportunity to compete in the show and return to amateur, or go full pro and pay the €250.
"With regard to the Super Show and the British, IFBB Pro Cards were given in order to allow competitors to compete in the Night of Champions. After putting on prize money, Dr Vic said he didn't want anyone who had been awarded the card to compete at the Super Show. He said this would stop others gaining that opportunity.
"The person who won his pro card with UKBFF had it taken from them by that federation. This is because he had then competed with NABBA. We [the BPA] gave him the chance to win it [IFBB Pro Card] back. But the provision was he couldn't win prize money in the amateur show. He agreed to compete under that provision.
"A female competitor was allowed to compete as an amateur [despite winning her Pro Card at the BPA British Finals]. This is because there wasn't a route to the pro in the evening for her.
"BPA can only apologise for the issues. But the IFBB Pro is a new federation we were dealing with and there was obviously miscommunication."
IFBB Pro vs IFBB Pro League: Why bodybuilders are getting confused
As IFBB Pro cards are awarded in the UK, confusion with the Pro League has sparked backlash across bodybuilding
COMMENT from the Editor
ONE aspect of competitive bodybuilding that always strikes me is the mutual respect competitors have for one another.
It makes bodybuilding stand alone from other sports. It flies in the face of what many perceive as the 'stereotypical' meat-head bodybuilder.
Sadly, however, one aspect of bodybuilding has become abundantly clear over the past 48 hours; an undercurrent of nastiness remains.
On Sunday, the British Physique Alliance awarded seven IFBB Pro cards to overall champions of different categories. The BPA did this following an agreement that was put in place between their federation and IFBB Pro president Rafael Santonja.
It is a similar agreement with which the UKBFF have been awarding IFBB Pro cards for years.
Only this time, there was uproar.
What is the difference between IFBB Pro and IFBB Pro League?
People were claiming that two pro cards being offered under the banner of 'IFBB' was confusing. This, despite the fact the same has been going on for the past seven years.
And this from the same people who purport to "loving this shit" whenever they refer to bodybuilding. I would suggest that if someone loved their sport so much, they would consume as much information as they could lay their hands on. Information, let's not forget, that has been in the public domain for seven years.
Still, let's go through it once more; a brief history for those who remain confused. We have reported this before, republishing an excellent piece from the website Evolution of Bodybuilding. In fact, we linked to this story in our preview of the BPA British Finals, which we published on Saturday evening.
'IFBB Pro' – as it is now called – is the original IFBB federation founded by Joe and Ben Weider in 1946. This is the federation that was, until recently, called IFBB Elite Pro.
The IFBB Pro League, on the other hand, was born in 2005. This is the 'federation' that still has rights to the Olympia.
Ben Weider empowered Jim Manion to run the Pro League under the banner of the IFBB. When Ben Weider retired, he handed over the overall IFBB presidency to Rafael Santonja (above).
In 2017, however, Manion informed Santonja that the NPC and the Pro League were leaving the IFBB and starting their own organisation. But Manion decided to keep the name 'IFBB', despite having no affiliation with that federation. If this is where the confusion reigns, then point the finger at Manion and no one else, for it is he who insists on using the IFBB name.
In response, Dr Santonja created a new pro division for the IFBB called the IFBB Elite Pro. This was, however, recently rebranded to the IFBB Pro.
Manion went on to expand the NPC and continued to run the IFBB Professional League. This includes the Mr Olympia and other pro events.
To reiterate, as it stands there is a federation called 'IFBB Pro' – the original IFBB created by Joe and Ben Weider.
FATHERS OF FITNESS: Ben Weider (left) and Joe Weider
Then there is what is still called – rightly or wrongly – the IFBB Pro League. One would imagine that, sooner or later, the Manions will rename this the 'NPC Pro League' or such like.
As mentioned, Manion's IFBB Pro League offers access to a number of pro shows and includes the biggest one of them all, the Mr Olympia.
Santonja's IFBB Pro remains the original bodybuilding federation set up by the Weider brothers and offers competitions such as the following:
IFBB Pro Arnold Classic, the IFBB Pro Night of Champions, IFBB Pro Mr Universe and the IFBB Pro World Championships.
This seems fairly clear. But still the vitriol on social media over the past few days has been baffling.
"Just to clarify, this [being an IFBB Pro after winning an IFBB Pro card] is not the same as being an IFBB Pro," cried one.
Read that again; 'being an IFBB Pro is not the same as being an IFBB Pro'...
"They [IFBB Pro cards] are pretend pro cards," bleated another, peppering this well-researched reply with as many crying-with-laughter emojis as they could. "They can’t get the Olympia therefore not real Pros."
What incredible logic. 'If you cannot try to qualify for the Olympia, you are not a real professional'.
Does this count for those other federations who offer pro status? NABBA, PCA, FitX, GBO?
Many bodybuilding purists would argue that being a pro with the federation started by Joe and Ben Weider – men who effectively created bodybuilding as a sport – is worth an order of magnitude more than those four mentioned above.
Not so, according to another, who claimed that competing as a professional with the federation started by the Weider brothers was "just the same as being a pro with the PCA or GBO".
When challenged on this point, this person then claimed they did not know where they were trying to devalue people's achievements. They signed off with one of those crying-with-laughter emojis. And in an instant, it was clear this was a deliberate attempt to belittle fellow bodybuilders. In a nutshell they were saying, 'you know what, you are really not as good as you think you are". Classy.
And as soon as that emoji dropped, this publication knew that its time was better spent doing anything else on the planet rather than engage further.
And even more tried to denigrate the IFBB Pro by labelling their pro cards as 'pretend', littering replies with those belittling crying-with-laughter emojis. This is a direct attempt to devalue the achievement. If everyone is entitled to their opinion, then those people, if they have competed before, should know better.
This week, frontdouble.com has also been accused of spreading "false advertising".
One person suggested we were "giving out false advertisement to con people to compete at this show [BPA British Finals] and leave athletes very disappointed when they soon realise they can’t compete at a Olympia qualifier!!!"
Is it a fact that they are disappointed? Or is this you projecting what your own feelings might be? Maybe they realise the tiny chance anyone has of actually qualifying for an Olympia. Maybe, just maybe, they knew the history of the sport they love and wanted to gain pro status with the federation founded by Joe and Ben Weider.
The accusation is also highly defamatory. The story regarding the BPA was published late on Saturday – three days after registration for their British Finals had closed. How we could possibly 'con' people from this point is beyond me. And that is not to mention the fact that we would never do such an absurd thing.
IFBB Pro card for a federation called IFBB Pro, not IFBB Pro League
We were quite explicit in our description of the pro card being offered too: tt was an IFBB Pro card. You know, to compete in the federation which is called 'IFBB Pro'.
We did not say there was a route into the IFBB Pro League. Nor did we say this particular card was a route to the Olympia. We did not mention the NPC's 'IFBB' Pro League because, if you know anything about the history of bodybuilding, you will already know that it is a separate federation. In fact, it is not a federation at all. It is a business. But that's another story. And is explained in the piece we linked to. As we now know how easily people are confused, you can read that story by clicking here.
We also explained how the IFBB Pro recently removed the word 'Elite' from its name.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this opinion piece, bodybuilding stands apart from other sports because of the widespread respect and camaraderie shown between rivals.
It is a shame that so many have shown this week that they all too keen to belittle, ridicule and laugh at those who they feel are beneath them. That's right, bodybuilders laughed at the achievements of their fellow bodybuilders. All because of the name IFBB.
What would Joe or Ben Weider think if you told them the pro card they were offering was 'pretend' or was 'not the same as being an IFBB Pro'?
Let's not 'pretend'. Those people do not share the true spirit of bodybuilding.
Jay Howlett: From anxiety to success at IBFA South East show
Jay Howlett admits anxiety nearly derailed preparations before the IBFA South East proved a success
By Gary Chappell
IN the weeks leading up to their first show as promoters the anxiety was flowing freely.
The panic manifested itself in daily phone calls to a colleague with an outpouring of negative vibes. The worrying was off the scale.
The reality, as it often is, was distinctly different. The first IBFA South East show was a roaring success and ran smoothly. It had some fantastic athletes and was put on with a friendly, jovial ambience that will be hard to match.
Enter Jay and Carly Howlett. Husband and wife, they decided to promote their first ever show, having been competitors and judges over the years.
DREAM TEAM: Carly and Jay Howlett
It was dubbed the Married to Muscle Classic, so called because of a forthcoming television documentary starring the bodybuilding couple.
Writing on social media, Jay Howlett, who suffers from mental health issues, summed up his emotions candidly: "Honestly, we were so nervous but also excited about creating a decent show for the athletes and the spectators. We've both competed, coached, judged and watched a ton of shows but never been promoters before.
"I suffer from a bunch of mental issues – acute anxiety disorder being one of the main ones – so the build up to this properly tested my sanity. I know 100 per cent that I've been a complete pain in the arse to so many people in the lead up to the event.
"Chris "Hulk" Williams [judge] was on the receiving end of daily phone call panic attacks with me saying, 'Hulk, there's gonna be no athletes and no audience'.
"He maintained a gritted-teeth-level of friendly reassurance, which I'm eternally grateful for. And Mrs H had to endure in-house pre-comp promoter insanity from Mr H.
"We're no promoter gurus, far from it. But we like to think we did OK for our first attempt. The feedback from athletes, staff, spectators etc has been overwhelming. Thank you to everyone that supported us because it's all of you that made it happen."
Frontdouble.com was in attendance for this competition at the Wyllotts Theatre in Potters Bar. Yes, you certainly "did OK" for your first attempt. More than OK. "Smashed it", as the kids might say.
Given the anxiety issues leading up to the show, the only shame was that there were not more IBFA officials in attendance, especially as most of the competitors based in the south have had to travel north since its inception in 2011.
MEN'S OVERALL WINNER: Lewis Marshall
From their special guest, Joe Egan – the toughest white man on the planet according to Mike Tyson, to 83-year-old competitor Michael Harendence. His posing routine based on ED209 from the film Robocop was a real inspiration.
And Egan's tales of how he used to be pummelled in the face by Tyson and Lennox Lewis, though was never put down, provided some fantastic insight. Egan went on to not only provide a few laughs but also expressed his respect for bodybuilders and what they endure during the depths of contest prep.
Then there was the photographer James Lineham. Patrolling the floor at the edge of the stage, Lineham captured perfectly the drama of each competitor's stage time. The deep blacks of the background, the smoke, the lighting. Just check out some of his stage pictures embedded in this article. These were made especially sharp with the expert tanning and attention of Kelley Szostak from Physique Spraytans.
As for anxiety, there was not a hint of that from Jay. He was top notch behind the microphone last Sunday [September 15]. At ease, complimentary to athletes and all delivered with a warm sense of humour.
So while competitors wonder whether they have got the final tweaks right, you can rest assured they are not the only ones worrying. Promotors too have their own kind of peak week. Or maybe call that, freak-out week.
Marcus Privett Wins IFBB Pro Card at NPC Sweden Grand Prix
UK men’s physique athlete Marcus Privett secured his IFBB Pro Card at the NPC Sweden Grand Prix, overcoming a difficult start to the season
By Gary Chappell
MEN'S Physique athlete Marcus Privett says he will leave no stone unturned in a bid to become a "top-five Olympian" after finally winning his IFBB pro card.
The 31-year-old from Essex achieved his goal in his first attempt of the season – the NPC Sweden Grand Prix – having shrugged off digestive issues in his regional qualifier earlier in the month.
Despite his young age, Privett is an experienced competitor, having won several titles during his career. But the IFBB pro card is one target that had eluded him. Until now.
He said: "I cannot even put it into words. It has just been one crazy, crazy year. I had a problem with digestive issues at my regional qualifier, so I didn't place where I wanted to place [finished fourth]. That knocks your confidence because it's the worst placing I've ever had.
"But my coach had faith that I have what it takes to be a pro and I've always had it in my head that I've had the right physique to become pro after years and years of improvements, listening to the judges' feedback.
"So Sweden was the place I got it and was finally awarded with my pro card in a very stacked class with people from all over the world.
"There was about 60 people altogether doing men's physique and I'm honoured that I beat everyone to become a pro. There was a lot of people going for it [pro card] who had travelled from all over the world. And I was lucky enough to get it. I say lucky, but I have worked hard and tirelessly for years and years for this moment."
'Crazy year... but judges say I'll do well as a pro'
Privett, who owns The Muscle Market, a supplement shop in Grays, Essex, was unable to train for a number of months last year due to personal issues. But the former Love Island contestant got straight to work as soon as he could. And he put in plans to qualify at the 2Bros Kingdom Classic, before travelling to Sweden.
He said: "I've had a very crazy year and it would have been very easy to give up. But I refused, regardless of people wanting me to stop, or being put off, or getting a lot of hate. Now I can see that those people see me as a threat.
"I have had some great comments from professionals – fellow professionals – and from some judges saying I've got what it takes to do well in the pro leagues.
"So after a few days' downtime, I'll liase with my coach, then make sure I'm one of the best UK athletes. I want to become a top five Olympian. That is my goal and I will not stop until I get there. Regardless of however long it takes me, that is what I want to do.
"I'm just going to keep my head down and let my work do the talking. But I am very happy – although that does not even come close to how I'm feeling. It's not really sunk in yet but I am very excited for the future."
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