PAUL SMITH PULLS IT OFF AGAIN
WITH
A SUPER SOUTH COAST SHOW.
Report by David Gentle and Sarah Bridges.
It’s unanimous, the EFBB South Coast show presented by Paul
Smith aided and abetted by Kerry Kayes, Sarah and Bill Bridges and a host of well known names in bodybuilding has been voted
the best, not only in the North and South, but also the west. The bottom line to any show is ‘how well is it supported?’
Well again the prestigious Portsmouth Guildhall was filled to capacity on Easter Sunday. Weigh in at 11am, bar and food available
all day. Free admission for kids, free face painting, trade stands galore, stars ready, willing and able to sign photos or
just talk to the fans. It was bodybuilding at its best. Even the kids had a competition for best upper body, and boy do they
take it seriously. But that’s the way to go to encourage all the family to attend and take part.
Body divisions included juniors, first timers and what a line up that was with such great potential. Intermediates,
seniors, and various weight categories. Also women’s fitness and body fitness events.
It’s been a long time since I have seen so much muscle, and that’s just in the audience. As Sarah Bridges,
championship competitor and judge commented, with so much talent, and we use the word wisely, it’s a pity more of both
male and especially females did not compete. But its still a treat for the eyes just sitting in the audience.
Art Atwood the giant American, currently ranked 20th in the pro stakes, proved a popular guest star, giving
an honest and interesting interview with the impressible Kerry Kayes. A giant globe trotting ball player entertained the kids,
as did the Basil Fawlty look-alike. See, shows don’t have to be so serious and consist of just lines of bald headed,
creosoted ‘tanned’ competitors.
As well as Art, who rightly closed the show giving 110 percent entertainment, other guests included Karen Marillier,
a pro IFBB champion, placed 8th at the night of champions in New York. Karen was also 1st overall winner
EPF Ms England and EFBB overall winner in 2001. A vivacious lady who works at the Forest Gym.
Infamous villain ‘Mad’ Frankie Fraser gave some ‘light entertainment’ open to all questions,
something he must be used to now after a life of crime. A strange, but interesting guest. Frank was once dubbed the most dangerous
man in Britain. Kerry Kayes made a good interviewer and ‘ole Parky better watch out.
Back to physical pursuits and Kizzy Vaines put on a show demonstrating just what fitness is all about. Multi-talented,
Kizzy is a trained dancer, gymnast and most recently highly successful bodybuilder. Great value, Kizzy is currently training at Suzzane Grande Dance School Barnsley. Back in October she won joint ladies
fitness title EFBB at the Royal Hall in Nottingham.
Another great and friendly champion attended being John Hodgson, with a physique impossible to criticise, John is the
definition of a true champion, and a great role model for the younger guys just entering the sport. I.e. friendly and approachable,
always ready to share knowledge and give advice.
Art Atwood just has to be seen to appreciate. At height 5ft 11ins and weight from 270 to 280lbs, chest 59, arms 22ins,
legs 30 to 33. His calves must be some of the biggest ever to grace the stage listed as being 21 inches of muscle. He trains
all body parts twice a week.
Too long to list all competitors, although all had the nerve to compete and the muscle to be proud of.
