Relative newcomer to the sport of competitive body building (though no stranger to the gym), Diane Shipway, and her partner, Body Science’s Glen Purtell, a veteran of the sport who made a remarkable comeback after eight years away from the stage, took home not only their divisional titles (Figure Class One, and Masters Over—40 years, respectively), but also the overall crowns.

And deservedly so.

The duo — partners in business and in life (they operate personal training business Making Shapes) — showcased what years of hard work and determination in and out of the gym can achieve.

They both went on to represent Australia well at both the NABBA World Championship in Scotland and the WFF Universe in Germany during June.

At the NABBA event Glen took out third place in the Masters (over-40 years) and Diane, in her international debut, placed sixth.

And they performed even better the following weekend in Germany. Here, Diane placed third and Glen was awarded second place. Together they also took out second place in the couples’ event.

Another local success story from this year’s Southern Hemisphere was Junior champion, Logan Robson.

At just 20 years of age, this quietly spoken young man has a physique that belies his years. And with a second place at the NABBA World Championship and a first at the WFF Universe, the international judges seem to agree that Logan has what it takes to be a champion when he moves into the open ranks.

It’s not surprising that Logan is a trainer at Ari Hamalainen’s Empire Fitness Centre on the Gold Coast, which has produced some of Australia's, and indeed the world’s top physiques.

But it was not just the locals who received all the glory — representatives from other parts of the country also did their states proud.

Like previous Southern Hemispheres, this event produced a number of “new” faces to keep an eye out for, as well as the re-emergence of a few past champions who were welcomed to back to the stage — and rightly so.

Two such legends were Victoria’s Don Mahoney (54 years), who made an equally well received guest appearance at the Victorian Championship the previous week, and Queensland’s Manny Hamilton (60 years).

When you see legends of the sport like these two men on stage, you realise what the sport is all about – the journey and the passion, and ultimately, the challenge of a lifelong commitment to a sport that can help you age gracefully (well, that’s what I’m hoping for!).

In terms of new faces on the block, there were many and they will no doubt reappear at the NABBA/WFF Australian Championships in Adelaide on 13 September and next year’s NABBA World Championship qualifier, the Southern Hemisphere, to be held in Melbourne for the first time, on 30 May.

One of the most pleasant surprises of the event was the number of competitors in the women’s physique division. Over the past few years this division has failed to attract more than one or two competitors at a time, though the quality has been high with previous national champs including Joanne Rogers and Sandra Jose.

This year, four women took on the challenge of vying for the title of Australia’s top physique competitor, with Victorian Natalie Brown taking out the title.

Interestingly, Natalie was perhaps the smallest of the four women, proving that it is not as much about size as it is about shape, condition and stage presence.

It was not just the NABBA divisions that produced some top talent with international potential. The WFF categories were equally impressive and the growing field of competitors in this area is indicative of the popularity of the “look” this federation seeks.

“For those who have never seen a WFF division judged, the main differences between it and NABBA traditional body building divisions are muscularity, size and degree of sharpness,” NABBA/WFF Australia President Graeme Lancefield said.

“While NABBA divisions are based only on height, WFF Athletic (as the name suggests) is ideally suited to those with an ectomorph structure and a slightly smaller physique. Each division has both height and weight restrictions.”

The Queensland event saw the emergence of a new WFF champion in Victoria’s Eddy Tannourji, whose balanced physique and on-stage charisma saw him take the overall title from another favourite, teammate Wayne Wilson (2003 WFF Victorian Overall Mr Athletic).

Eddy also did Australia proud at the WFF Universe, placing fifth in his international debut.

Event promoter Mark Ryan, his partner Leah Burtenshaw, and their team are again to be commended for pulling together another professional and entertaining event.

Even the chocolate mud cake was backstage again this year to ensure competitors were well-carbed and on their best behaviour!

The backstage crew members were courteous, patient and helpful – a difficult task when dealing with more than 80 tired, hungry, thirsty and often nervous men and women.

The morning following the competition, competitors and friends gathered at Conrad Jupiters for the traditional buffet breakfast celebration (okay, the pig out!).

Judging by the repeat visits to the buffet by many competitors and the amount of food piled on their plates, the casino’s breakfast profit may have been somewhat reduced that day.

Following breakfast, NABBA state delegates gathered to discuss next year’s Southern Hemisphere, which will be held in Melbourne. This allows NABBA Queensland to focus on the 2004 World Championship two weeks later (12 June).

An inspection of the venue, the Gold Coast Arts Centre, left representatives with no doubts that next June’s event is definitely not one to miss.

Special thanks must also go to the Victorian team’s own videographer, Ian Adams, who followed the team’s journey to Queensland. Exclusive footage, such as interviews, will be included on the each team member’s limited edition, personalised DVD.

Also, all competitors in the Southern Hemisphere (and all other NABBA/WFF Australia competitions) should by now be aware that their entry fee entitles them to a competition DVD, distributed automatically upon completion.

Participants also each received a cap, bag and t-shirt during registration — and let’s not forget the backstage cake, and importantly, the chance to make new friends and catch up with some familiar faces that all share the same passion.

For further information about NABBA/WFF events, including competition results and photos, check the website at www.nabba.com.au.

Anyone interested in competing in a NABBA/WFF event should email National President Graeme Lancefield at graeme@nabba.com.au, or contact their state representative (listed on the website).

* Laura Clements is a NABBA figure competitor and the federation’s National PR Director. A former journalist, she now works as a senior PR consultant in Tasmania. Further articles by Laura are featured on the Body Science (www.bodyscience.com.au) and NABBA/WFF Australia websites (www.nabba.com.au).