ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER AWARDS ABIES $5,000

Britain's Abies Nosa received a cheque for $5,000 from Arnold Schwarzenegger after a sensational victory at the IFBB Elite Pro Arnold Classic Europe last night.

Abies' success was one of the greatest in recent years by a British athlete in the IFBB.

He overcame hometown favourite Daniel Garrido, of Spain, and Thierry Bayala, of France for top spot in men's physique at the $60,000 event in Barcelona.

He was presented with his trophy and cheque on stage by Arnold and Dr Rafael Santonja, president of the IFBB. What a moment!

Abies, who has now won as a pro and an amateur at the Arnold, tasted success on his IFBB Elite Pro debut last year.

But he had to settle for seventh at the IFBB Pro World Championships at the end of the year.

Now, with his wonderful shape and symmetry, he's clearly established himself as one of the world's premier men's physique athletes.

Congratulations too to David Henderson, who was in outstanding shape in the pro men's bodybuilding at the Arnold, and the 60-plus UKBFF amateur athletes who did their country proud at the huge event.

David gave away a lot of weight to his rivals and although he didn't crack the top five, he was in phenomenal shape.

IFBB pro world Champion Michal Krizanek, from Slovakian, took the pro bodybuilding title.

Abies Nosa on stage in Barcelona.