ANNOUNCEMENT.
Over the weekend a decision was made by Team Winners to no longer have any connection to the UKBFF. I will not be competing in or endorsing any UKBFF events due to their politics and values. Helen and Simon were not treated very well in Macedonia at the weekend and to be told ‘you have to play the game’ to get a pro card is totally wrong. As an athlete looking to pursue a career further afield, the federation should be embracing rather than trying to intimidate.
I will be standing by my team in this decision and will be looking to pursue my pro card elsewhere, there will be a way and maybe going direct to the IFBB will help attain one in the future. I shall also be getting in contact with my American contacts to do further NPC shows.
With regards to competing in the UK, I shall be qualifying with the NPA and the BNBF. They are professional and very well run organisations and at the end of the day believe in natural body building and test for drugs. I shall be happier knowing that I and my team will be treated more fairly.
After thinking about how my show was run last week, the disorganisation of the poor competitors music, being told to pose down in the Body Fitness (since when is that in the rules!?!) and being on stage with the general idea that the pose down should be similar to what you see in a ’stripper’ club is not in line with my values or certainly my goals. I have never seen that on the Arnold or Olympia stage. Also walking out in the one piece to the compere announcing “the decision has already been made a long time ago” hardly seems fair, when it quite clearly states in the rules that ‘the judges must be mindful of the fact that the competitor may present a different total package………judges must ensure that this round is judged from a fresh perspective, ensuring that all competitors receive a fair assessment based on their attire in this round’…..
Up until 2 years ago pro-cards were handed out to girls at the finals. This made it very appealing and I longed to get on the stage, it took a lot of hard work, discipline and preparation to get here. Now, there are 2 natural athletes, more than ready and very capable to take to the stage and represent the UK. But with one hand tied behind their back to get a pro card seems a ridiculous state of affairs. I ask you, how many girls have you seen use their pro card in the last few years! Gemma Williams, Ronnie Blewitt, Claire Mckee? yet the UKBFF are willing to make it very difficult to give a pro card by their small mindedness to hold true athletes back, by making them dance to their tune.
I can’t wait to compete again, this was how my year was intended to be at the start, we had discussed that I would be competing in all federations and events to get experience. So it is now back to the original plan. I know where I am going, I am on the right path still, a natural way and with respect for myself and my team.