BRITS EXCEL AT THE ARNOLD

Ade Bishop became the second British IFBB Elite Pro so far this season to win prize money when she finished third in women's physique at the Arnold Classic Africa.

British Nigerian Ade had little idea what lay ahead when she flew to Johannesburg to compete in the $80,000 event.

She arrived as an amateur but after winning her class on Friday she earned an IFBB Elite Pro card and lined up on the pro stage on Saturday night.

Showing an impressive blend of muscle, symmetry and conditioning, and a great routine in which she never stopped smiling, Ade finished with a bronze medal and a cheque for $1,500.

She also earned points towards qualification for this year's $200,000 World Championships – one of FOUR Elite Pro shows in Europe alone this year with at least $50,000 prize money.

Ade is the second British Elite Pro to win money in the last two months. Rasto Valent claimed €1,000 for placing second at last month's Elite Pro Slovakia.

Ade was the star of a strong British showing at the Arnold Classic Africa.

British bikini fitness internationals Anna Pearson (left) and Lisa-Marie Graham.

Other outstanding UK contributions came from:

Lisa-Marie Graham, who won silver in bikini fitness up to 169 cm.

Wagner Da Silva, who won silver in muscular men's physique.

Ballas Mustafa, who won silver in men's physique over 178 cm.

Anna Pearson, who was fourth in bikini fitness up to 169 cm and fourth of 17 in masters bikini fitness.

Reno Banks, who competed in the classic bodybuilding pro show.

This weekend another $34,500 is up for grabs at the Elite Pro Madrid.

Domestically, the English Grand Prix in Reading on Sunday will offer more opportunities to qualify for the Arnold Classic Europe in September.

The cash breakdown for this weekend's $34,500 Elite Pro Madrid.