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.
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."
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.
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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here