Physiques, poses please judges at national champs

Bodybuilders at the 2024 National Body Building Championships in Invercargill yesterday (from left) Nick Barclay, of Invercargill, Paige Flett, of Christchurch, and Quenton Nakivelle, of Invercargill. PHOTO: TONI MCDONALD

Bulked-up biceps, practised poses and spray tans were all on display at Invercargill’s Civic Theatre yesterday, for the 2024 National Body Building Championships.

National Amateur Body Builders Association (NABBA) Southland representative Judy Duggan said it was the first time the national championships had been held in Southland in its 35-year history.

She had been contending with the national organisation for several years to have the city host the competition.

Yesterday morning, 43 competitors took to the stage while the afternoon sessions were used for one-minute dance routines in which the athletes struck poses to show off their physiques, she said.

Athletes from around New Zealand hoped the months of strict diets, cardio and years of training had produced the results that a panel of eight eagle-eyed judges were looking for in the 11 categories.

The right muscle tone, symmetry, size, shape and gracefulness all earned the attention of the judges.

NABBA president Jim Pitt said International Physique entrants Lisa Bailey-Smith, of Canterbury, and Aaron Scurr, of Auckland, were among the notable competitors.

"Aaron Scurr has beaten a world champion before and won the national title three times now."

Athletic Class competitor Paul Mountford was another athlete with a bright future, he said.