This prestigious event was held on The Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia in June this year. Many of the competitors and officials took the opportunity to holiday in Australia after the event, having travelled 12,000 miles or more. Staged by Mark Ryan and his team of helpers with great support from NABBA President Graeme Lancefield, the event was a huge success with a near sell-out audience. MEN'S OPEN Highlights included the overall victory by Steve Sinton from England with his ripped, superbly symmetrical physique. This is Steve's first major win on the international stage. He narrowly edged out Luis Maciel (Class 2), Paul Sutton (Class 4 winner) and the massive Andre Van Der Mescht of South Africa (Class 1 winner). The posedown for the overall was worthy of a NABBA Universe contest. Van Der Mescht is in fact the current Class 1 NABBA Universe title holder. WOMEN In the Women’s Figure section there was a terrific battle between the tall, statuesque Queenslander Diane Shipway who won Class 1 and W.A’s Loretta McMillan the Class 2 winner. Loretta finally came out on top with her near perfect symmetry. Both women had superb condition and were truly the best 2 figure women in the world at this time. Loretta reversed the overall decision from 2 weeks before in Melbourne at the Southern Hemisphere. I would love to see the 2 of them go head to head with the top pro figure women in the IFBB such as Davana Medina and Monica Brant. It would be the mother of all battles! The 2 Brazilian figure women were also exceptional with Diana Paula Monteiro getting a 2nd and Valeria Aprobato performing a great routine. Next year they will be on home ground at the Worlds. In the Women’s Physique Class, I really feel that a dead heat would have been appropriate between Russia’s Olga Tikhonova, the eventual winner and Australia’s Jo Rogers who was a very close 2nd. Olga had size and shape and the most incredible arms, back and abs you could ever imagine. Jo had the most incredible legs and back, great symmetry, ripped condition and a sensational posing routine. I felt that Jo’s overall package was deserving of first place. You be the judge when you look at the women’s DVD from the event. Click here for details. JUNIOR MEN In the Junior Class, Andrew Hudson of South Africa displayed a mature physique beyond his years to edge out Tim Rosiek of UK and in 3rd place was Mateus Correia of Brazil at only 18 years of age. He will be a super-star if he sticks with it. MASTERS In the over 40 section Thierry Bidault was too strong for local guy Glen Purtell in a very close decision. Bidault looked (almost) like a guy in his late 20s! Aussie Mark Suttie was a very worthy 3rd. In the over 50 section, Adelaide’s own Kym Johncock stormed to victory in a well deserved 1st place from the greatly experienced Bernie Cooper of UK. Kym had good size and incredible muscularity. It was most pleasing to see the superb quality British team bought to Australia by Brian and Hazel Robinson and Tony Sullivan.
MASTERS FIGURE I feel that Over 35 Figure may be a better title for this class. It was won in great style by Marie-Pierre Ripert from France. I had seen Marie-Pierre guest posing at FIBO only a month before the Worlds, so knew what superb shape she was in. Her fine condition, great lines and a wonderful posing routine proved to be the winning formula as the judges felt she was too good for the outstanding Aussie’s Cheryl Hampton, Terri Roberts and Railee Williams who finished in that order. MIXED PAIRS This class saw 5 great pairs hit the stage. Once again it was a victory for Loretta McMillan with her partner Cullum Carrigg. It was very close with the Brazilian pair Monteiro and Des Santos in 2nd place. My special thanks to Sean for shooting the event in my absence and to his wife Heather for all the wonderful photos she took for us. See the photo gallery on the Women’s DVD. Click here for Complete Results |
