BLOG: The NPA British Finals

Overall line-up

Well guys, what a day it was! On Sunday I won the NPA British Heavyweight title and overall title for the second year running, creating history as this is the first time the overall title has ever been defended. This was my third show in three weeks and the standard was sky high as were the previous two but I was at my all time best as I'd tightened up and improved considerably from the first shows. So I was confident I could improve on my third and second placings but knew I'd be still in for a tough battle.

So once again, based on the judges call outs it was clear the battle for the heavyweight title was between Nigel St Lewis and myself where I came out victorious on this occasion. The standard for the overall was also exceptional with Matt Argall (3x Lightweight winner) and Ben Woodhart (40 master champion) in particular both looking razor sharp. Six of the seven judges awarded me first place, so once again I became British NPA overall champion  - overjoyed and happy are both understatements.

I'D LIKE TO THANK

• Mike Philips and the NPA for once again putting on a superbly well run show in a very nice venue with all the facilities and space an athlete could want
• Neil Millington my friend and right hand corner man who's as much a perfectionist as I am - so that helps! Friends, PT work colleagues and knowledgeable fellow body-builders Ricky Moore and Dominic Haley who's advice I sought. Also big shout out to my family and friends who are my biggest supporters as well as my numerous PT clients and Xercise4Less Leeds staff and members who have closely followed my progress. Thanks all

WHAT NOW?
There's the small matter of the UIBBN World Championship in 3 weeks time! This is where I'll be really looking to reach my peak condition. I plan to push hard and drop another 3-4 kilos to come in really shredded as never before and see what I can really achieve with this physique. 

Well that's enough waffling for me today - over and out. Sam