An Accrington bodybuilder is “over the moon” having claimed gold at the world championships held in Las Vegas.
Ben Lloyd - son of cricket legend David 'Bumble' Lloyd - finished off an already successful season at the Natural Olympia in Vegas and was the first winner of the competition from the UK.
The Natural Olympia is a drug-tested bodybuilding contest held annually by the International Natural Bodybuilding Association, known as the INBA.
The competition is for elite bodybuilders who train and compete without using performance-enhancing drugs or steroids, and aims to promote a safer version of the sport that could be recognised by the Olympics.
Personal trainer Ben, 40, had been training for the event for 35 weeks and following a strict diet to reach the final of the INBA Natural Olympia competition.
Taking on 26 bodybuilders from around the world, Ben flexed his way to the championship and was awarded $12,000 for his efforts.
Speaking following his victory, he said: “I am over the moon.
"It was a very good experience, there has been a lot of travelling as I have been to Austria, Germany, Denmark and in two weeks I will be going back for another show.
“It has been a good year so far. I am the only person from the UK who has won the natural Olympia, and this is the biggest of all the shows.”
READ MORE: How son of Bumble Ben Lloyd has risen to take on bodybuilding's best in New York
Competitors are whittled down through numerous rounds which include Mr Universe and the Mr World finals, with the best of the best meeting at Natural Olympia.
Being drug-free is a big incentive for Ben, who says that the health risks of taking steroids massively outweigh the benefits of success in competitions.
On why he has chosen to remain a 'natty' bodybuilding, added: “It is for health reasons.
"It is a bit risky going down the other route and I have always preferred the straight way.”
He also advised anyone interested in getting into the industry to go and watch a show and realise what is attainable without using performance-enhancing drugs.
Ben said: “Go and watch a show. That lets you realise what is achievable.
"People don’t realise there is a drug-free one, and you think it is achievable and think they are not just massive monsters.”
Whilst most of the other federations admit steroids play a critical role in professional bodybuilding, the INBA makes its competitors to get blood or urine tests on-site and random tests outside of competition to maintain the integrity of the competition.
Penalties range from a yearlong suspension to a lifetime ban from the sport, depending on the results of the test.
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