Highlights for me at the Nationals 14/10/09

Highlights for me at the Nationals 2009

The NZFBB Nationals had a lot of highlights for me this year. It all started on the way to Auckland, we decided we should travel up a day early on Thursday to make sure we didn’t get caught in the Napier-Taupo hills (there was talk of snow again and there was no way I was missing Nationals after dieting almost all year for it). We stayed at a quiet hotel in Cambridge which was the best thing we could have done. With little travel to do on Friday I looked and felt better than I normally do on a Friday night before a show.

When we got to Auckland, Johannah and I went straight to the weigh- in. I have to say it is always cool going to different places around New Zealand and catching up with people like Terry Hills, Keith Jolly and Brian Mcfarlane who always act professionally while being friendly and helpful. No stress no fuss and a few laughs, just the way I like it.

Another highlight was to catch up with Supry Sos- the man is a gentleman and has one of the freakiest physiques in New Zealand! I have to thank him for his help backstage at the show- Cheers for that bro! I can’t wait to see his physique next year as I know he is going to do some serious damage at Nationals in 2010!

Competition day!! I enjoyed every moment! Backstage was busy with Mark De Lew doing an amazing job (as always). The dude cracks me up; his sense of humour is awesome (even when he is recovering from a cracked rib) and he is always there to help and let you know what’s going on.

It was really tough competition in the Classic class (I thought it was tough enough the year before). Chris Nel was sharp with awesome shape, Dave Weeks had a lot of muscle with no weak points, and Boris Chamraev had great lines and a classic physique while the rest of the guys, William Te Ratana, Mark Batty and Ryan McCarthy were all in top condition. It was a huge honour to be placed first amongst these guys (who were all nice blokes too) and a great way to celebrate my 34th birthday!!

A few other highlights for me were:

Catching up with awesome people like Willie Walker (he used to live in Hastings), Rod and Marama Bannister and seeing their passion for the sport being as strong as ever.

I thought it was pretty awesome when Daniel Hibbs came up to me afterwards and shook my hand.

Johannah (my better half) being a trooper out the back tanning her little heart out all day when she was sick.

Talking with Mike Debenham and asking for feedback on what I need to do to improve. He is always honest, personable and humble. As a pro bodybuilder he is a great ambassador for the sport and New Zealand!!

Lastly I would like to acknowledge Andy Hill and Shotgunsupplements who began sponsoring me before I even won the Classic class last year. He has gone out of his way to help out any way he can and made my dream of being a sponsored athlete come true. Winning the title again was important for me for that reason alone- to say thanks for all the support and faith he has had in my ability. Cheers Andy and the team at Shotgun supplements!