A designer was amazed to win a body building competition held in Merton for the first time this year.

Simon Man, of Durnsford Road, Wimbledon, did not put any extra training sessions in to enter the Miami Pro Universe Championships and only went along to support a friend Stefan Kartya who was taking part.

Mr Kartya, 26, was placed in the same category his friend went on to win.

Wimbledon Times:

Left to right, Oliver Lepp, Simon Man and Niraj Bharath. Photo: Matt Marsh 

It was the first time Mr Man, 32, had entered a competition like this and he was crowned the winner of the Fitness Model under 75 kilos category.

By day he is a designer at Seymourpowell in Southfields, but in his spare time he is a personal trainer.

He said: "I did it to support a friend - it was never my intention to win.

"He was great about it; I could not have done it without him.

"It was nice to have someone there I knew."

Wimbledon Times:

Stefan Kartya, far right, with friend Simon Man next to him. Photo: Matt Marsh

The event at the New Wimbledon Theatre attracted 270 competitors from all over the world in categories for men and women including ‘yummy mummy,’ ‘bikini model’ and different weights and ages. Prizes included articles in Miami Pro magazine, modelling contracts and professional photo shoots.

"There were people there from all walks of life," Mr Man added.

"The best thing to come out of the competition is hearing the audience saying they want to go to the gym now.

"It inspired people to get active," he said.

Wimbledon Times:

Simon Man flexes his award-winning muscles. Photo: Matt Marsh

Mr Man trains three or four times a week at the Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in Wimbledon alongside Mr Kartya.

"I found the industry promotes a healthier look, not people that are thin," he added.

The event was held on Sunday, November 23.

For future fitness and model championship events, visit the website.