Former IFBB Pro Bodybuilder and Mr Universe
Dayo Audi put on the Raw Power Sunday event on 24th May 2009 at the Doncaster Dome. This event incorporated the 3rd SportsPN Classic bodybuilding show and the England's Strongest Man competition, as well as some trade stands. MuscleTalk was one of the sponsors.
The Doncaster Dome was a great choice for such an event, which was very well organised. I was one of the judges for the SportsPN Classic. The number of competitors was disappointing, but this was due to some confusion. Originally there was going to be another bodybuilding show along side the SportsPN Classic run by the WBBF, but this was cancelled. However it seems that some people thought the whole bodybuilding event was cancelled so didn't turn up. Also Dayo wishes to apologise to competitors who thought there was a £50 entry fee to compete, it was free entry but this confusion put some potential competitors off. The compere was Mike Mitchell, actor and former Mr Universe.
First timers had two competitors: Kyle Weiss (2nd) and a very impressive Adam Elhasham (1st). Novice was won by Jon Tuplin who sported a great shape and quality cuts. Ian Hardisty was just not sharp enough to win, and Harry Ainsley in third also had good condition.
The Masters was won by one of the most separated and cut physiques I have ever seen. Martin Holroyd has definition which would impress even top pros. Stephen Walker was the runner up, who also has a great physique.
All three girls in the figure line up were brilliant and top class and this was a hard category to judge as each had plus points. Third place Vanessa Sewell had the best shape, but could have been a bit tighter and she looked uncomfortable during her compulsories (though her routine was great). Second place Silvana Imbrogno was ripped to the bone, maybe uncomfortably so; she has clearly worked hard, but her physique was just not as aesthetically pleasing as Irina Fedoruk from Russia who took first place. Irina was very impressive all round and had an enjoyable routine.
Only one competitor was in the Open Mr, Paul Mason, who went on to win the overall against the winners of First Timers, Novice and Masters. Paul is a big guy with good condition and I hope to see more of him in the sport.
Lunchtime was followed by the strongman event commentated by the familiar face of Colin Bryce. The referees were former Scotland's Strongest Man Gregor Edmunds and former Mr Universe and strongman Eddie Elwood. There were nine competitors: Lee Bowers, Darren Sadler, Sean Kenny, Gary Gardener, Mark Felix, Mark Westaby, Rob Frampton, Simon Flint and Terry Hollands.
The first event was the barrel carry, where competitors have to carry over 700lbs over 25 metres. Rob Frampton ran the distance into first place with impressive performances by Sadler (2nd) and Hollands (3rd).
The tyre deadlift was with a bar nearly as thick as a Coke can. As always, Mark Felix excelled at this event and won, with Sadler in second place.
The last man standing log lift was won by Mark Westaby lifting 165kg with Hollands and Sadler as runners up.
The Car lift is a deadlift hold and was won by Mark Felix again who held it for just shy of a minute. You have to remember that Felix has only just recovered from a biceps injury which he did in Worlds Strongest Man in 2009; he truly is one of the best deadlifters in the world.
The Conan Wheel is an interesting event. Competitors have to walk a barrier around in a circle as in the film Conan the Barbarian, the highest degrees wins. Darren Sadler stormed this event with nearly 1100°. Hollands and Felix were runners up.
The Atlas stones were the usual finale where competitors have to lift four stones 150 to 180kg onto barrels. Mark Westaby, Mark Felix and Terry Hollands completed all four, with Hollands winning by doing them in a fast 19.69 seconds.
The overall results were as follows:
9th Lee Bowers
8th Gary Gardener
7th Simon Flint
6th Sean Kenny
5th Rob Frampton
4th Mark Westaby
3rd Darren Sadler
2nd Mark Felix
1st Terry Hollands
Terry Hollands warming up with Darren Sadler
Terry Hollands with James Collier