Building bodies for success

CHAMPION: Masterton bodybuilder Deon Smith, 41, took first place in the 87kg fitness over 40 class at the National Amateur Body Building Association World Fitness Federation national championships held in Auckland on Saturday. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Masterton bodybuilders have again seized a clutch of trophies and prizes after successfully competing against some of the best in New Zealand. Bevan Mackenzie, owner of Wai Weight Private Gymnasium in Masterton, said a trio of bodybuilders who were training out of the gym had over the past several weeks returned home victorious including Steve and Linda Oldfield, and Deon Smith.

Smith, 41, took first place in the over 40/87kg athletic section of the 2013 National Amateur Body Building Association World Fitness Federation (NABBA-WFF) national championships held at Auckland Girls Grammar in the city on Saturday.

Smith, who last month took a silver medal in the masters class at the NABBA-WFF Wellington Championships regional contest in Wellington, had set his sights on next competing in the physique class in Christchurch in May.

Mackenzie said he had encouraged Smith, who is 192cm, to compete at the national in the 87kg class, which under WFF rules is determined by a height to weight ratio. "Deon just made the weight and even though 87kg is quite light, he had a huge amount of muscle. He's one of the best conditioned bodybuilders I've ever seen and he's close to that condition all year round. And that's exceptional."

Steve and Linda Oldfield had likewise proven themselves outstanding at the NABBA Wellington Championships in Wellington held at the Lower Hutt Little Theatre on September 21, respectively taking second place in the Masters athletic over 50 section and third place in the senior figure over 40 class.

The pair had taken silver in the couples class and Steve Oldfield took gold in the masters athletic over-35 class at the NABBA-WFF Wellington Championships the previous weekend. "Steve and Linda's results are a testament to their commitment and training."

Mackenzie said the bodybuilding successes achieved by the trio and other trainers at the gym had inspired other members, and himself, to consider competition in future. He was to soon upgrade almost half of the equipment in the gym, he said, which would in turn improve the quality of training for prospective competitors. "We're making sure we have the best equipment on offer, so every member, whether they compete or not, gets even better results."