Australian Natural Bodybuilders Shine at City vs Country National Pro Qualifier
On June 8th, 2024, the Albury Entertainment Centre was the battleground for the first-ever City vs Country National Pro Qualifier, marking our third event in Albury. This historic “Season A” event was a celebration of the best Australian natural bodybuilders, and Nithin from Gym & Glamour Photography was there to capture every electrifying moment.
The competition began with the Men’s Individual Routine, where James Hume delivered an elegant and artistic performance that harkened back to the golden era of bodybuilding. His routine was a masterclass in grace and power, setting the stage for an unforgettable day.
Next, the Women’s Individual Routine saw Vikki Raiti light up the stage with an exciting and entertaining performance, bringing back the magic of old-school women’s bodybuilding. Her routine was a testament to the dedication and spirit of Australian natural bodybuilders.
The Doubles Routine featured Vikki Raiti and Oriel Kovac from the SimmplyFit GolGol team. Their synchronized performance highlighted the camaraderie and unity between teammates, earning them a well-deserved victory.
The Men’s Classical Bodybuilding Divisions showcased some of the finest physiques:
- Rookie 1st Year Division: Wade Mongta impressed with his tall and athletic build, securing the win. His powerful presence and well-defined muscles were a sight to behold, embodying the essence of classic bodybuilding.
- Masters Division: Peter Mander, in his 60s, displayed exceptional muscle maturity and conditioning, taking the top spot. His performance was a testament to the timeless dedication of Australian natural bodybuilders.
- Open Class & New Pro Card Holder: James Hume returned to the stage with an epic physique reminiscent of 80s legends like Bob Paris. His symmetry, muscle density, and flawless posing earned him the coveted Pro Card.
In the Women’s Athletic Division, Amy Starling emerged victorious, joining the NatBod Pro ranks with her balanced physique, great shape, and muscle fullness. Her posing was impeccable, and her stage presence was captivating. Special mention goes to runner-up Julia Brennan for a tightly contested matchup that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
The Fitness Journey Division was a highlight of the event, featuring inspiring stories:
- Jason Hartage: Overcame a heart attack and major weight loss to compete. His journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that define Australian natural bodybuilders.
- Jordan Willis: Returned to the NatBod stage, walking on stage using his frame after years confined to a wheelchair. His story of perseverance and triumph moved everyone in attendance.
The second half of the competition saw the Men’s Athletic Divisions:
- Junior Division: 17-year-old Nick Meznaric began his competitive career with an impressive win. His youthful energy and potential promise a bright future in the world of natural bodybuilding.
- Master Division: Jason Hartage continued to inspire, earning the win with his remarkable transformation and dedication.
- Rookie 1st Year Division: Wade Mongta secured another victory, showcasing his versatility and strength. Special mention to runner-up James Scott for his impressive performance.
- Open & Pro Card Winner: Wade Mongta stood tall with great upper body muscularity and abs, ready to be a force in the pro ranks. His commanding presence and well-defined physique made him a standout competitor.
The Women’s Classical Bodybuilding category was also fiercely contested:
- Rookie 1st Year Division: Amy Starling won again, with Julia Brennan as runner-up and Oriel Kovac in third place. Amy’s consistent excellence and dedication were evident in her performance.
- Masters Over 55 Division: Vikki Raiti showed great improvements to take the win, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving greatness in natural bodybuilding.
- Masters Over 35 Division: Hayley Rickards presented great muscularity and conditioning, winning the division with Julia Brennan as runner-up. Hayley’s major improvement from last year’s competition was evident and celebrated.
- Open Class & Pro Card Winner: Hayley Rickards earned her Pro Card with a well-deserved victory, with Amy Starling as the runner-up in a tightly contested matchup. Hayley’s hard work and dedication paid off, making her a deserving champion.
Join the Ranks of Australian Natural Bodybuilders
The first-ever City vs Country National Pro Qualifier was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of Australian natural bodybuilders. The event was a celebration of strength, aesthetics, and the unyielding spirit of competition. From inspiring personal journeys to fierce battles on stage, every moment was a testament to the passion and perseverance of our athletes.
If you were inspired by the incredible displays of strength and aesthetics at the City vs Country National Pro Qualifier, now is the time to join the ranks of Australian natural bodybuilders. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting your fitness journey, NatBod Bodysport offers a platform for you to shine. Embrace the challenge, and who knows? You might be the next champion we celebrate.
Our next competition is the Australian Open International Pro/Am in Tweed Heads on the Gold Coast on November 23. All amateur divisions are available, and the pros will compete later in the day. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event and showcase your dedication and hard work on the NatBod stage.