2004 NABBA UNIVERSE REPORT
This year was something of a mini-milestone for me marking the 35th year I have covered the NABBA Universe. There were a record number of competitors this time with 151 competing in 12 different classes. The quality was unbelievable. For those interested in statistics, this is how is stacked up.
Masters over 40’s 12 competitors
Masters over 50’s 12 competitors
Juniors 8 competitors
Miss Figure Class 2 22 competitors
Miss Figure Class 1 10 competitors
Miss Physique 9 competitors
Miss Fitness 6 competitors
Mr Class 4 14 competitors
Mr Class 3 16 competitors
Mr Class 2 19 competitors
Mr Class 1 17 competitors
Pro-Am 6 competitors
Now to a few comments as I recall some of the highlights. When we edit the 10 hours of material I shot into 3 or 4 DVDs, a more detailed description of each DVD will be given.
THE MEN
In the Masters Over 40’s my old friend BRIAN PETERS of Wales, UK was a clear and convincing winner over JAMES MURAYAMA of Brazil. Then followed the Masters Over 50’s won by JOHN CITRONE in his 45th year of physique competition. He has now won every possible NABBA title and this time had a large margin over 2nd placed EARL MADURO of Holland.
Next up was the JUNIOR MEN’S CLASS and what a sensational class it was. 8 outstanding juniors took to the stage with one absolute stand out. I refer to the Welsh Wizard of Mature Muscle – JAMES ‘FLEX’ LEWIS. He was the only competitor in the whole Amateur Universe to receive straight firsts from every judge.
He had size, symmetry and condition, and a physique which would not have been out of place in open Class 4. From his huge calves, shredded condition to his superb posing routine, this young guy displayed pure class. Mark him down as a pro bodybuilder of the future.
Runner up was the most impressive JARRAD GRADWELL of South Africa.
Mr. Class 4 is for the shortest guys up to 5’6” but it was not short on quality or competitors. Brazil’s CHARLES MARIO narrowly took this class with his mature symmetry from France’s young rising star DAVID DAHAN. David did himself no favours by posing in the poor light in front of the posing platform. On the platform the lighting was optimised. But David is a winner of the future. A massive and ripped JASON CORRICK took a well-deserved 3rd place.
Mr. Class 3 was STEPH SINTON’S class as he got straight firsts from every judge bar one who placed him second. Steph, formerly known as Steve had a near faultless physique, looking superb in every possible way both from the front and from the rear. Wonderful condition, balance in all areas and a large amount of hard mature muscle added up to a most convincing package.
In second place was Holland’s KHALID ALMOHSENAWE with his rugged physique and huge arms.
Mr. Class 2 saw a titanic battle between former Mr. World winner GIUSEPPE COZZI of Italy and the Brazilian champion GERSON GUIMARAES. When the dust had settled it was a 1-point victory to the Italian. Giuseppe displayed a fantastic back, great condition and overall size such that he looked the likely winner during most of the comparisons. Gerson was probably a little unlucky to lose such a close decision and his fantastic physique is sure to be rewarded with a class victory in the future.
Mr. Class 1 is the big boys class!
It was a superb victory from GREGOR KOMAN of Slovenia in what was a first ever NABBA Universe title for SLOVENIA. Gregor won it on his overall symmetry and good V-shape and size. Runner up GINO BARRIOS of Holland displayed fantastic condition, wonderful abs and the best “most muscular” in the competition. But where he lost out to Koman was in arms and “lats”. I feel that if Gino can improve these 2 areas, he will be an overall Amateur Mr. Universe winner as he has such fantastic potential.
A video from Mr. Universe 2004:
