Al Asfoor bags overall crown

ABDULWAHED: Al Asfoor of Sitra Club was the overall champion in the National Day Bodybuilding Championship which took place late Saturday night as part of 'Raw Power Bahrain' at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Al Asfoor, who notched the 90kg weight category gold medal, competed with the winners of the other six weight sections for the prestigious trophy.

The veteran Sitra bodybuilder proved too strong with his outstanding show which gained the admiration of a full-house crowd that attended the three-hour event.

In the 90kg weight category held earlier in the day, Al Asfoor lived up to expectations and was followed by Nader Malalla in second place, Ahmed Al Aradi third and Ahmed Al Rumaithi fourth.

The show, attended by International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness vice-president for Africa Dr Engineer Adel Fahim El Sayed, was dominated by bodybuilders from Sitra, Al Najma and Al Ittihad Clubs.

In the 65kg section, the opening contest of the day, Ali Hilal of Sitra Club came on top after a stiff competition with Riffa Club's entrant Ahmed Abdulnabi who claimed second position.

Akram Hassan Abdulla and Ali Mohammed Radhi, both representing Sitra Club, were respectively third and fourth in this weight section.

Al Najma Club bodybuilders dominated the next event which was for 70kg contestants. It was won by Ahmed Abduledha who took the gold while his teammate Habib Al Qallaf received the silver.

Busaiteen's Bader Sultan rounded off the podium by winning the bronze. Fourth place was Mohammed Al Maghni, followed by Hussain Al Ansari of Al Hala in fifth place with Tubli's Hussain Ebrahim sixth.

The 75kg weight category featured some surprising results as Al Ittihad Club's bodybuilder Sayed Hameed Ebrahim notched the gold medal.

Ebrahim defeated favourite Ali Al Khayyat who clinched the 70kg in the Shaikh Nasser International Championship held last Friday at the same venue.

Al Najma's Hussain Ebrahim produced another upset result by winning the bronze medal and ahead of contender Nassrulla Al Mosawi who came fourth. Hamad Mohammed of Al Hala Club was fifth and Sitra's Isa Abdulla sixth.

In the 80kg section, Sitra's Abbas Khudair lived up to his billing, clinching the gold medal in style and halting his mainchallenger Reda Yaqoub of Al Najma Club who took the silver while Sitra's Hussain Ahmed claimed the bronze.

Again there were no surprises in the 85kg event with favourite bodybuilder Majeed Abdulhussain coming on top.

Riffa Club entrant Daij Salman was second, followed by Sitra Club pair of Faisal Salman and Taher Salman in third and fourth positions, respectively.

The seventh and last contest of the day was open for heavyweight bodybuilders which saw stiff battle between Nooh Eid and Fuad Abdulrahman who emerged victorious, leaving Eid in second place. Hamad Ali came third while Osama Hussain was fourth.

The competition was followed by the awarding ceremony, during which each category's winners were honoured by Bahrain Weightlifting Bodybuilding Federation president Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa.

This event, held under the patronage of Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, was only open to Bahrainis.

Tanzania's bodybuilder David Nyombo seeks sponsorship

Tanzania's bodybuilder David Nyombo seeks about Sh10 million that would enable him compete in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic World Bodybuilding Championship slated for March 2010 in the US.

Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, the runner up of the African Bodybuilding Championship, said he had been desperately looking for sponsors, but so far none has come forward to support him.

He said the money would help him cater for the forthcoming bodybuilding course set for Egypt next month and his participation in the coveted World Championship.

"I have no funds to foot the course expenses in Cairo especially after spending a chunk of money to compete in the continental championships," he said.

The Tanzanian muscleman won a ticket to the world's greatest contest following his scintillating displays in the International and Continental Championships held in Mauritius a fortnight ago.

Besides finishing second overall, the local contestant impressed many judges to grab several medals in various international categories.

Among the categories the Tanzanian won include; the Ben Weilder, Indian Ocean and International Grand Prix titles.

After the contest, Nyombo said: "My victory means a lot to Tanzania, I have promoted our numerous natural resources and still look forward to carting home more medals."

The championship involved nine African countries with more than 55 bodybuilders lining up for the competition.

The countries which took part in the contest include Egypt, Ghana, Comoro, Seychelles, Madagascar, Tanzania and hosts Mauritius.

Ghana, who fielded five bodybuilders, managed to sweep five medals to finish third overall.
The five-man team won three silver and two bronze and ended up endearing themselves to both fans and officials of the Africa Bodybuilding Federation (AFBB).

Due to their glittering performance, the AFBB officials decided to give Ghana the right to host the next year's Africa Championship.

Zimbabwe: Marume Crowned Mr Pro-Fitness

Harare — FORMER Mr Zimbabwe bodybuilding champion Givemore Marume was crowned the overall winner of the inaugural Mr Pro-Fitness Open contest at 7 Arts Theatre on Saturday night.

Saturday's contest catered for juniors from the age of 21 years and below and seniors, who competed in the lightweight (70kg and below), middleweight (70-80kg) and heavyweight (80kg and above) categories.

And Marume won the overall title ahead of lightweight champion George Munyoro and middleweight champion Zumailer Maman of Empire Gym to walk away with US$2 000 cash, a floating trophy and some supplements.

Marume was first crowned the heavyweight champion, beating his major rival, the current Mr Zimbabwe - Tarisayi Chirume.

However, it was not an easy task for the judges, who were led by Danny de Souza, to come up with the winner for the heavyweight category after there was a tie between Marume and Chirume and the two had to return to the stage for more poses.

And it was Marume who finally won the hearts of the judges to become the heavyweight champion.

Marume said it was great to emerge as the overall winner after some stiff competition that he faced from Chirume.

"I feel great and it is through hard work that I have managed to win this title.

"The competition was quite tough and finishing on top was good and the competition also is opening borders for athletes to compete outside the country," said Marume, who will represent Zimbabwe in the Shameen Classics contest to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, in March next year.

Marume also said the competition was encouraging as the winners received some prizes.

In each category, the champion walked away with US$700, a trophy and some supplements while the first runner-up took home US$500, a trophy and some supplements and the second runner-up got US$300 and a trophy.

In the lightweight category, veteran bodybuilder Munyoro was the champion while Blessing Samaringa settled for second place. Third place went to Tapiwa Chibota.

Maman won the middleweight title ahead of Vincent Kandiyero and Michael Puzo.

And in the heavyweight category Chirume was the first runner-up while Victor Hungwe settled for third place.

Visiting South African top bodybuilder Shameen Adams was the guest poser and was impressed by the standard of the competition.

"The standard of the sport is good and the organisation of the event in Zimbabwe was excellent. In South Africa we do not have such competition and it takes hard work and discipline to come up with such a show.

"However, it will take about five to six years for Zimbabwe to compete at world competitions. The bodybuilders need someone to educate them on nutrition and training," Adams said.

Adams conducted a seminar with the contestants on Friday and said the response was good and is looking forward to coming back to Zimbabwe.

"During the seminar we focused on nutrition and training and the response was very good.

"I have represented South Africa in international events and I want to give back to the society. I want to bring Africa on the world map and take bodybuilding to the next level where physique and posing are the most important aspects of the sport," Adams said.

Pro-Fitness Gym were the main sponsors of the competition and the managing director Shamim Hussein said they want to revive the sport through the competition and are looking forward to make it an annual event.

"The sport has been going down the drain and we needed to do something to revive bodybuilding.

"The competition was very successful although we had some minor problems and we will work to rectify on that next year.

"Next year's event will be held in conjunction with Shameen Adams and we will have 10 participants from South Africa taking part," said Hussein.

Kings Langley bodybuilder is crowned Mr Universe

A “snapped” spine has proven no obstacle for a Kings Langley bodybuilder who has been crowned Mr Universe following an intense competition in Italy.

Neale Cranwell, 33, of Beechfield Road, muscled in on the action at the world famous competition, winning the coveted heavyweight category.

The competition, held last month in the town of Campobasso, attracted hundred of bodybuilders from all over the world, keen to show off their bronzed physiques.

Mr Cranwell, who suffered a horrific back injury just eight months ago, said: “I was on cloud nine when I found out that I’d won.

“I’ve competed for the Mr Universe title before and finished in the top ten on three occasions.

“I looked up to Arnold Schwarzenegger while growing up, but to achieve this - well it’s the realisation of a boyhood dream.

“After my recent back injury, I was in a lot of pain and suffered sciatica, so it’s made this win even greater.”

The ex police officer, who now owns a gym in Waltham Abbey, hurt his back during a Strong Man competition on the premises.

He said: “What people don’t realise is that a Strong Man competition is very different to a Bodybuilding competition – bodybuilders tend to pose showing off their muscles, a strong man has to show his strength.

“As the host I thought I should try and lift some weights. I found out I couldn’t and managed to snap my spine and slip two discs.”

Aside from this latest incident, Mr Cranwell has overcome a string of serious injuries, including a motorcycle accident four years ago, which threatened his bodybuilding career.

Told by doctors “he may never be able to gym train again”, the newly-crowned Mr Universe, who has been competing as a bodybuilder for the past 12 years, has proven everyone wrong.

His latest title adds to his numerous other wins, which include the British Heavyweight title and London competition, Mr Titan.

Hoping to take part in the European and British Championships next year, he said: “I originally started bodybuilding to lose some of my gut as a teenager.

“Now it’s overtaken that, it’s addictive.

“I’m pushing by body to its limits and it’s become more than just a hobby, it’s become a way of life.”

Dubai to Host Sportex Middle East Bodybuilding Championship

27 November 2009 DUBAI

The fourth Sportex Middle East Bodybuilding Championship conducted by the Emirates Bodybuilding Federation (EBBF) will be held on December 6 and 7 at Dubai Trade Centre Hall No. 8.

This competition is open to expatriates from GCC countries based in the UAE and Emiratis with total prize money of Dh28,000 up for grabs.

The weights classes will be under 85kg and over 85kg with weigh in to be held on December 6 from 5pm to 8pm. The pre-judging will take place at 10am on December 7 and the final from 6pm.

The top five will receive cash prizes with the winner of each category getting Dh6,000 and the runner-up Dh4,000.

Meanwhile, the EBBF has sanctioned the first Radeef Emirates Bodybuilding Championship to be held at the Golden Gym in Ajman on December 25 and 26.

The inaugural event is those athletes who have not been placed among the top five in a major national or international competition and will be in two weight categories – under 80kg and over 80kg. The 11th Men and 16th Youth championship will also take place concurrently during this competition. The weight categories for men are under 60kg, 70kg, 80kg, 90kg and over 90kg. The youth will compete in the under 75kg and over 75kg weight classes.

For participation in this tournament call Bosten Gym on 06-7468797 or 050 8951500 or the EBBF.

Opportunities abound for Kittitian at National Bodybuilding Competition

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts: THE Ultimate Fitness Events (UFE) Canadian national bodybuilding and fitness competition was held last weekend, and even though Kittitian Gavin Skerritt did not finish in the top three he did receive several options to further his love for physical fitness.

Skerritt qualified for the national competition in Hamilton, Ontario by winning the light-heavyweight division at a UFE competition three weeks earlier.

“Since we last spoke, to be honest I wasn’t really going to do the competition. It was just that the opportunity was there and the more I thought about it, I couldn’t let it go by. It was an even bigger opportunity to represent my country,” he told SKNVibes.

The competition was the first time Skerritt had entered two events nearly back-to-back, but that did not stop him from training hard in the limited time available.

“In terms of training, the only difference was that I got a lot stronger and my body required more food. I spoke to a doctor and I was told that even though I wasn’t gaining more weight, my body was operating at optimal performance. I was basically using up all of the food I ate like an hour after I ate it.”

Skerritt was truly living up to the nickname his friends know him by, ‘Gavinous Ravenous’, and was in the “best condition of my life” by the time he headed to the November 14 national event.

Sponsorship for the UFE national competition was given to Skerritt from his supporters, and he also received a posing oil formulated specifically for him Dr. Sheldon Joseph, a Trinidadian scientist and owner of Rejuven8 Labs. The special oil is currently slated to hit the market in mid-2010.

Upon arriving at the event, Skerritt realized that he would be facing the biggest challenge of his bodybuilding career.

“All the other competitors were seasoned veterans of the sport. These guys were elite. They are Canada’s best natural athletes. Just to be among that group was an achievement in my eyes. They looked a lot better than the competition I faced the first time,” he said.

The events were “more intense” this time around as well, and the athletes were required to hold their poses for extended periods of time for the judges.

Though the national competition was eventually won by a fully professional bodybuilder, Skerritt said that he received many rewards from his participation.

“One of my goals was to get my picture and name in Inside Fitness magazine, which is the number one fitness magazine in Canada. It seems as if I have now accomplished that,” he said.

Additionally, the Kittitian received offers from multiple trainers to take him under their wing and showcase him at more bodybuilding events if he chooses to continue his career.

With several opportunities before him, Skerritt described himself as being at a crossroads, one branch of which may see him beginning a new career as a personal trainer with the help of his wife. The pair’s general aim is to assist the public in improving their lives through basic healthy living.

“Apart from competition, I have a desire to enter personal training as a profession. It is a very realistic for me to get into this field. My wife is a massage therapist and she is also an instructor at a college. Once we team up, we could do outreach programmes not just into Canada, but also into the Caribbean.”

Skerritt said he could not release the finer details of his plans at this time, but indicated that the people of St. Kitts-Nevis would definitely be hearing more from him in the future.

Shaun Clarida claims Lightweight Title at WNBF Championships in New York

A dream that began four years ago came true for Shaun Clarida last Saturday in New York City as he was crowned the world champion in the lightweight division of the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF).

Clarida, who graduated in 2005 and is working toward his master’s in organizational leadership, was able to dethrone Brian Whitacre of Stillwater, Okla., who had won the past two lightweight WNBF championships.

“[Whitacre] had beaten me the past two years so when they announced me as the champion, I was so overwhelmed,” Clarida said. “I knew all the hard work I had put in had finally paid off.”

There were a total of 12 men competing in the lightweight division, which is 165 pounds and under, on stage with Clarida during the day. Only five men were chosen to come back that night for the chance at being world champion.

“It is very exhausting, having to be on stage for 45 minutes straight doing the poses the judges ask us to do,” Clarida said.

The 27-year-old from Hackensack, N.J., walked on to the wrestling team as a freshman at Rider and was on the team until the end of his sophomore year. One of his friends, whom he would work out with at the gym, managed to convince Clarida to try bodybuilding his senior year, and he hasn’t looked back since.

“Coming from an athletic background, it was difficult getting used to the training of being a bodybuilder because it is very different from the workouts I did as a wrestler,” he said. “I was never a fan of bodybuilding until I actually started doing it.”

Clarida goes to the gym at least six days a week and works out for two and a half to three hours a day while having a job and doing the work for his graduate classes. Even with all that, the hardest thing about being a bodybuilder is dieting, having to watch what he eats at every meal and making sure never to skip a meal, according to Clarida.

The WNBF is one of a variety of federations bodybuilders can choose to compete in, but it is all natural and probably the strictest when it comes to using substances to give the person an advantage over his competition. One failed test and a bodybuilder is not allowed to compete in a WNBF event for seven years.

The WNBF administers urine tests and polygraph tests to ensure the bodybuilders are not using anything on the banned substance list, which is very specific and includes not only anabolic steroids and growth hormones but many over-the-counter supplements as well.

“Some people like competing in federations where steroids are legal,” Clarida said. “I love what I do and I don’t want to take the easy road. The natural way is the way for me to go.”

Clarida plans to take the rest of the year off to build up some weak areas and focus on getting his master’s in May but is looking forward to the challenge of defending his title.

“Biggest thing you can be in my federation is the world champion; I’m the guy to beat now,” he said. “My job as the top guy is to defend my title and hopefully down the road I will win the overall World Championship.”

Gift Helps Bodybuilder Revive Her Career

NEWARK -- It seemed like a simple birthday present, but it turned into one of the best gifts Lynne Nichols ever received.
Her husband, Mike, got her personal-training sessions for her 46th birthday in January, and Nichols promptly turned it into her opening back into her sport.

After 15 years away from a successful women's bodybuilding career, Nichols jumped back in with the same furor -- and the same degree of success. She entered the figure competition -- which focuses less on the muscle mass of bodybuilding and more on aesthetics -- at the OCB Natural Steel Championships in Pittsburgh, taking first place in the Figure Masters 45-plus category.

She topped it off later that night by winning the overall class, a memory she still treasures.

"I was thinking, 'I cannot believe this.' My hands just went up over my mouth," Nichols said. "It was a lot of work, but it was well worth it.   "At any age, if you have a goal, you can accomplish it."

The overall win gave Nichols her professional card and her first pro show -- the OCB Yorton Cup National Figure Championships -- was last weekend in Washington, D.C. It featured top competitors from as far away as California and England.

Nichols has served as motivation and inspiration to friends, family, co-workers and women looking to transform their bodies.

"It's never too late to start. That's hope for everyone," said Larry Miller, who trains Nichols at the Advantage Club in Newark.   "Anyone can start again, too. It's never, ever too late."

Nichols first met Miller 20 years ago, and he soon got her into women's bodybuilding. She had immediate success, winning her first title in 1990, six months after she started. Nichols did well in the dozen or so competitions she entered and was featured in numerous bodybuilding magazines, including nationally-renowned Muscular Development.

But she called it a career -- or so she thought -- in the mid-1990s when her two children, Alicia and Troy, got involved in sports. Both were standout athletes at Newark Catholic and both continued to star in college. Alicia is playing softball at Dayton, and Troy played football at Bryant University.

Both were supportive in her return to competition, as was her husband.  "They both were excited. They told me to go for it," Nichols said.

Nichols started training with Miller in April but had no inclination toward competing. Miller, however, was persistent.

"She still looked good, and I said she should do another show," said Miller, who won the Men's Grand Masters 50-plus bodybuilding class at the same show.

"The rest is history."

Nichols remembers Miller's suggestions and also her initial thoughts on the matter.

"I told him he was crazy. I was done with that," Nichols said.

Nichols eventually gave in by summer and quickly took to the more intense training. Having a clear goal ahead of her also gave Nichols more incentive, especially when it came to dieting.

She remembers staying strict even while vacationing in Florida -- Nichols lost four pounds that week -- but it wasn't easy.

"The gym part was great. I loved being back on that (routine)," Nichols said. "The diet was difficult, especially in the summer. Alicia really helped me and really pushed me."

Said Miller, "She works extremely hard. She's one competitive girl. She's very tenacious. She followed her diet to the ounce. I knew she would be on it."

Nichols' body quickly took impressive shape, harkening back to where she was 15 years ago. She decided on the show in Pittsburgh and caught the attention of everyone when she stepped on stage.

"I was nervous, but when I got out there, it was like the old days," Nichols said. "It was fun and everything just flowed. I felt comfortable out there."

Miller said she looked more than comfortable.

"Her stage presence was incredible," Miller said. "When she walked out on stage, it was like it was 1990 and she hadn't missed a step. It all flowed so well, and she had such a strong presence."

Nichols said the entire process has been enjoyable, so much so that she plans to enter more competitions in 2010.

So much for retirement.  "I was very happy to get back in it," Nichols said. "The support I've had has been wonderful."

Fiji Bodybuilding scouts for young blood

YOUNG bodybuilders are being encouraged to take part in the Fiji Bodybuilding Federation Mr Fiji competition this Saturday at JJ's On the Park in Suva.
Seven categories will be contested with the Mr Fiji title the pinnacle of the event.

There will be contests in the 65 kilograms, 70kg, 75kg, 80kg, 85kg, Under-90kg and over 90kg categories.

There will be a beginners and masters trophy as well.

Fiji Bodybuilding president Ratu Inoke Tikotikoca has invited new bodybuilders to take part in the competition as the federation looks to build on its membership.


A new Mr Fiji will be crowned with last year's champion Caine Wendt not taking part.


Tikotikoca said there were a number of local bodybuilders who stood a good chance of winningbecause they had been training hard.


Financial problems continue to plague the musclemen and Tikotikoca said they were grateful to Mohammed Buksh for backing the event. Buksh, who once held the Mr Fiji title in his prime, has been helping the sport of bodybuilding since last year.

"It would be great if we could have some major sponsors come on board to help the sport," Tikotikoca said.

"We need to keep on going and to improve and better the sport of bodybuilding we are pleading for sponsors to help us."

There is no confirmation of any women participants but the federation is looking at changing this from next year.

It will have a drive to get more women involved in the sport.

Onisivoro bulks up for Mr Fiji challenge

ONISIVORO Koroi is confident of taking out the Mr Fiji Body Building Championship at JJ's in the Park, Suva on Saturday.

The Mokani man from Tailevu, believes this is the right opportunity for him to inscribe his name as a top body builder in Fiji.


"I'm ready right now. I ha-ve prepared myself well and I am looking forward to Saturday."


Koroi said he has waited long enough for the right opportunity and believes he has a point to prove against the other top bodybuilders in the country. The 27-year-old is riding high after finishing second at the Mr Suva Body Building Championship several weeks ago.


Koroi said this would be a tough encounter but he was prepared to rumble at this stage. Nadi-based Eliki Vilai is expected to give Koroi a good run.


"I think Eliki will be the only opponent for me. I'm looking forward to giving a good go and shut him out because he earlier warned me to be prepared for this.


"I'm in top shape and I won't let anything stop me from scooping my first Mr Fiji title. I'm just touching up on my body shape for Saturday."


Defending champion and Caine Wendt will not be part of the championship.