NABBA South Island Champs, Dunedin. 8 September 2012

Report and Pics by Matt (baby Branch) Potts

The 2012 NABBA South Island Champs was a well-run and thouroughly enjoyable show.  It was exciting to witness the continued growth and development of the local talent, after 2011 broke the drought of shows in Dunedin.  

With 55 athletes on the cards, there was something for everyone.  The female Fitness Model class saw a threefold increase in competitors since last year, showcasing some jaw-dropping displays of athleticism.  But to really wake up the crown, Dan Worthington debuted as our first Mr Fitness Model, performing a very sharp snappy MMA routine.

A very closely contested Junior Men was described by the Head Judge as being the best lineup in this class that they'd seen all year...and it showed.  Alex Spenceley was a fairly clear winner here, but the remaining places were a real battle.  Added to a good dose of talent on show in the Teenage Mens class, the future looks bright for bodybuilding in the South.

Masters was well fought out, with Graeme Evans of Otago nudging out Brett Cullen from Waikato.  Shannon Fraser brought some serious size to the Novice Physique competition, and was no surprise to take out the title.  The Athletic competitors fought a pitched battle on the stage, and I don't think anyone really envied the judges having to make the call... title eventually going to Matt Curtis in Short and Mike Smith in Tall.

   

Janine Haywood brought fantastic condition on her visit south, to fight off a very impressive Cassandra Chow from Southland for the Open Figure win.  This was a definite highlight of the show, and drew a spirited response from the crowd.  Likewise, the Shape competition was a fan favourite, with both Susan Baxter of Otago and Teresa Edwards of Waikato turning on scintillating performances.  A well deserved win to Teresa.

Janine and Teresa were fairly clear calls for the Overalls in their classes, but Athletic and Physique were a different matter.  Alex had the conditioning, Shannon the sheer mass, while Graeme's lines evoked memories of the Golden Age of Bodybuilding ... but "there can be only one", and mass won out on the day, Shannon taking the title of Mr South Island.  A well-deserved and popular decision.

For the second year in a row, Sky Fitness, of Dunedin, took out the trophy for Top Gym, after a very strong showing from Team Powertech.  Shane Waldron-Smith, head trainer of Powertech, is already setting his goals for next year, looking to capitalise on the progress made in the last 2 years, and cement Dunedin firmly on the national competition schedule.

All in all, this was a very professionally run show, and I for one would like to take a moment to thank the organisers, sponsors and judges who brought the show together, and the fantastic athletes who made the show worthwhile.

Matt Potts
10 Sept 12

Thanks Matt for doing a great job covering the show for us! Lisa