The day after England’s footballers played Italy in Wolverhampton, the UKBFF welcomed a host of new athletes to the stage just four miles down the road in Bilston.

It’s always fascinating to watch competitors make their debut, knowing some will go to grace national and international stages.

There was no shortage of potential on display in the West Midlands in a show that also included some open categories for people who had already competed.

Just before the contest got underway, Nick Swann was welcomed on to the panel of UKBFF judges. Nick is a great role model — he didn’t compete until he was 55 and six years later he is an Arnold Classic Europe champion and IFBB world champion who is preparing for his pro debut in Luxembourg next weekend.

BODYBUILDING

The day’s standout physique belonged to Plamen Handarov, who competed in the open category rather than the beginners as he has been on stage many times before.

Plamen was heavily muscled throughout and his detail was astonishing, with cuts all over. He doesn’t have the prettiest physique but boy, does he carry a lot of ripped muscle. His side chest pose was a real show-stopper and the rear poses highlighted his level of conditioning.

He had some tough competition in the sublime shape of Harpreet Bhambra, who had a more appealing aesthetics but considerably less mass. Herpreet was balanced and although his legs need a little more size his hamstrings were testament to how hard he’d dieted. Impressive back, too. He had the consolation of winning classic physique — a category he could excel in.

Plamen also won masters bodybuilding. Runner-up Andy Boulton, who gave the open class a go alongside his beginners class, won’t come across many guys this good if he competes for several years. Plamen was rewarded by being invited to compete in the IFBB internationally.

It may have been his first time on stage but it was evident from the start that David Odum has a lot of potential.

His well balanced shape and confident stage presence overcame the tight Andy Boulton, whose upper body really popped when he hit his poses.

Macbeth Fernandes, in third, displayed a lively well-rehearsed routine and sizeable upper body.

MEN’S PHYSIQUE

Kai Zhou’s well sculpted and tapered upper body dominated his opponents in the open and beginners categories. Kai really has a great look and is one to watch. Benjamin Okpe, who finished runner-up to him twice, was the leanest men’s physique competitor of the day and had the best abs. But he was also a bit too muscular for the category and received a British Championships invite for the muscular men’s physique category instead.

Anir Aaron Beegoo, who was third in beginners, is a good looking guy who definitely has the men’s physique look and with a little more training could do well in this category.

Ben Hartwell, competing for the first time just short of his 42nd birthday, can be proud of the sharp lines in his midsection

Beginners classic physique winner Jamie Elliott looked like he was born to be on stage, working the crowd until they were in the palm of his hand.

Masters men’s physique winner Parvinder Powar had a full chest and tight waist. Arnold Seal took junior men’s physique.

FEMALE CLASSES

Rosita Dzhenvova wouldn’t have looked out of place in an international line-up. She looked remarkably composed and polished and had the kind of balanced tight lines that win trophies. Incredible for a first timer.

Noemi Maries made her mark in wellness, looking every inch a star in the making. Everything from her tan and suit to her shapely physique was quality.

RESULTS

Beginners Bodybuilding

1 David Odum

2 Andy Boulton

3 Macbeth Fernandes

Beginners Men’s Physique

1 Kai Zhou

2 Benjamin Okpe

3 Anir Aaron Beegoo

Beginners Masters Men’s Physique

1 Ben Hartwell

Beginners Wellness

1 Noemi Maries

Beginners Bikini Fitness

1 Rosita Dzhenvova

Beginners Classic Physique

1 Jamie Elliott

Masters Bodybuilding over 40

1 Plamen Handarov

2 Andy Boulton

Withdrew ill: Naz Almashan

Classic Bodybuilding

1 Harpreet Bhambra

Bodybuilding up to 90kg

1 Plamen Handarov

2 Hapreet Bhambra

3 Feim Feimov

Junior Men’s Physique

1 Arnold Seal

Masters Men’s Physique

1 Parvinder Powar

Open Men’s Physique

1 Kai Zhou

2 Benjamin Okpe

Wellness

1 Noemi Maries

Bikini Fitness under 166cm

1 Rosita Dzhenvova

ULTIMATE BEGINNERS