From Jim Georgiou’s pro-level dominance to Rita Trotter’s inspiring battle against adversity, NABBA South East 2026 had plenty of highlights – but organisational issues again highlighted the federation’s ongoing struggle to modernise

By Gary Chappell

OVER the past two years, NABBA has been very public about wanting to bring its federation into the 21st century. But regardless of the improvements it has made – and there have been improvements – the machine still needs more oil to run as slick as its rivals.

This was never more evident than at the NABBA South-East on Sunday, May 17.

Nigel Gordon-Rae, below, brings 40 years of experience to the role, but his style can feel somewhat old-school. Communication issues surfaced several times. He repeatedly failed to deliver the key photography instruction ("winner on his own"), forcing snapper James Lineham to scramble to prevent athletes exiting prematurely. He also overlooked posedowns for initial classes and later called for them while two athletes were still off-stage.

Gordon-Rae was, to his credit, at least on top of the misfiring DJ. It is one thing not playing the right track for athletes' routines, but Shaggy's Massive Roadshow appeared not to have a Scooby-Doo when to play background music, or when to play music at all.

That was not all. Some judges even missed the start of the Men's Physique Open class after the break, having taken too long to return. Surely somebody should be making sure every person involved is ready to reconvene. Gordon-Rae, perhaps? Who knows...

Tommy Broomfield impresses in junior classes

Still, the athletes come to NABBA regardless. Junior and Teenage winner Tommy Broomfield will be happy with his two trophies after just four years' training. Arguably the hardest thing for any competitor is bringing condition and Broomfield nailed it here.

Karl Lette, below, appeared confused and surprised when his name was called for second of two in the First Timers. But despite clearly winning on mass, his condition was simply not there, especially in the lower body. Very little quad separation or detail cost him heavily here and he was slightly soft in some upper-body poses. Nail this and he will be a threat.

His rival Chris Anderson, below, however, was razor sharp. He did not match Lette for size, but his condition could not be denied; detail all over. He could do well to bring up his legs and work on his posing, as he came across a little jittery at times, but there was no confusion from this viewer on class placings here. Very well deserved.

Masters Over 45 saw veteran Rafal Kwiatkowski cruise to victory. Plenty of muscle, decent quads – a rarity at this show – maybe a little distension but not enough to nudge him out of first place.

Local hero Phil Parsons is a proper showman. Great routine, likes to get the crowd going during judging, very confident. Condition, particularly in the lower body, would certainly see him place higher.

The Over 60s produced some vocal crowd reaction. John Swaby won clearly in strong shape, but when Nick Pappa placed third, heckles of "Judges, you need your eyes tested" and "absolute rubbish" rang out. Paid spectators are entitled to their opinions, even if strongly expressed.

Robert Fraser dominates the Novice category

Robert Fraser stole the Novice category from the get-go. Fraser boasts great shape and structure, had striated glutes – pretty much the sharpest on show on the day – and excellent condition. 

Joe Bourne, below, won a tough Men's Classic. Great shape, lots of tissue, sharp condition. Not a lot wrong. Runner-up went to Nick Smith; superb classic shape, tiny waist and arguably the best posing of the day. What let him down was lower-body condition – so often the case here. Quads separated but not sharp enough to be awarded victory. He did, however, beat Fraser, who could count himself slightly unlucky to place third, although he was far less a Classic shape than Smith.

James Morris, who went on to win Class 3, was unlucky to miss out on placing here. He had good legs, great, deep insertions, strong condition – could perhaps flex the glutes more in his rear shots – but had no obvious weak points and had a good overall physique.

The wardrobe malfunction in the Men's Physique Over 45 saw Over 60s winner Swaby return to the stage in his posing trunks – and not in the required shorts associated with this class. How do you judge someone in Men's Physique without the correct stagewear? Just don't look at their quads, perhaps?

As lean and conditioned as Swaby was to win the 60s, he did not have the beating of Gareth Jones. Jones carries a load of muscle for a Physique guy and is tall with it. Presence was good, condition strong – so much so that he won both this and the Men's Physique Open.

Female numbers were low, but several of the athletes who did compete stood out. Holly Planson, above, deserves a special mention. A regular at the NABBA South East and training out of Evolve Fitness in Eastwood near Southend, Planson's stage presence is electric. Her opponent here, Jade Costen, probably edged her in some rear shots, with Costen's upper back more detailed, but she looked nervous and only smiled a few times, which was a shame. She can take confidence, however, that this was her first show and that she will undoubtedly grow more confident from here.

Planson had confidence in spades, edged the whole package and looked more accomplished.

Jim Georgiou looks every inch a professional

Rita Trotter, below, was show-stopping despite being the only competitor in the Miss Trained Figure. Lots of muscle, fabulous definition, great structure – all with no feeling whatsoever from the knee down following a serious illness. That she was not awarded a Pro Card there and then despite taking the overall was a mystery – but fortunately one that was quickly solved when she revealed that later, at dinner, she received a phone call from NABBA officials saying she had in fact been awarded one.

As for Jim Georgiou, what is there to say that has not already been said over the past few years. The guy looks like a pro bodybuilder. Already a PCA Pro, he is now a NABBA Pro and is packed with beef from top to bottom. He had fabulous hamstring definition, bowling-ball shoulders and triceps with their own postcode. Georgiou is, for all intents and purposes, insane.

In fairness, he was pushed by Bourne in the overall. Bourne's shape and midsection was certainly tighter than Georgiou's. But there was to be no Bourne supremacy. He couldn't beat Georgiou on sheer size - but then again, there are not many who can.

As for NABBA itself, given its history, the vibe one gets is of a sleeping giant.

It just needs someone to give it a damn good shake and wake it up.

Pictures by James Lineham. Visit his website HERE

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