Northern Ireland Grand Prix 2024

Female classes

Project manager Wendy McMurtry, who was competing in only her second ever show at the age of 45, proved to be the day’s standout star. With her beautifully balanced and chiselled physique, Wendy looked every inch a seasoned champion rather than a novice.

“I have trained for a couple of years, mainly for the head space benefits — the physical benefit was a side effect,” she said. Coach Emma McClean spotted the mother-of-two’s potential and it was easy to see why as she claimed first place in the open and masters bikini categories before taking the overall title against the day’s other female champions.

Bronagh Toleman also made a strong impression, showing how muscle can shape a tall physique to perfection by winning the masters and open bodyfitness classes. Bronagh’s conditioning was spot on. She had to be on her game because Lauren Baker, who was runner-up to her in both categories, was also in exceptional shape.

Sonia Canavan picked up the winner’s trophy in her first foray in the women’s physique category. Having outgrown the less muscular categories, Sonia looks well equipped to make her mark against the bigger women in the sport.

An eventful afternoon ended well for Lorraine Kelly, who initially entered bodyfitness but was moved to wellness by the judges, who felt her look better suited that category. Lorraine certainly has superb curves and a lot of potential. Masters bikini runner-up Heidi Parkinson also overcame adversity when her luggage containing her bikini, tan, shoes and make-up got lost at the airport, but she managed to improvise and displayed a fabulously well trained form.