THE BEST OF BRITISH
BY DAVID ALLEN

America- One of the biggest countries of the world, one of the richest. The best and biggest bodybuilding competition in the world is held there. Austria. The home of the most famous bodybuilder and now state governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. One of the greatest bodybuilders of the 20th century, Sergio Olivia, originates from Cuba But what about England?

This great country can hold as own against any other when it comes to bodybuilding. The Mr Universe competition the biggest bodybuilding competition in the world until the foundation of the Mr Olympia in 1965, was held nearly every year in London.

Two of the greatest bodybuilders ever went head to head in London, in the Universe of 1948. Steve Reeves narrowly lost to John Grimek. But he was back in 1950 to claim the title. One of the most famous bodybuilders of them all, the man who started it all, Eugene Sandow was born in Germany. But he lived in England for a lot of his years and is buried here in South West London (Putney). Arnold Schwarzenegger would frequent one of the greatest cities in the world in the run up to the Mr Universe.

Each year, about 6 weeks prior to the competition Arnold would go and stay with his surrogate parents in Essex. He would train at his second fathers gym. Arnold's greatest idol himself, was Reg Park. Reg came from Yorkshire. A city in the north of England. Reg Park was a mountain of a man who in his time was one of the most famous and respected bodybuilders in the world who went on to win 3 Mr. Universe tides. One of Reg Parks training partners was Spencer Churchhill another Brit, who was one of the most popular bodybuilders of his day. The great American, Frank Zane won his Mr Universe tides in London.

Of the present day Britain can boast one of the greatest bodybuilders ever, in Dorian Yates. This warrior went on to claim a massive 6 Sandows. He comes from Birmingham, England's second city He flew the flag for Britain and was unbeatable in competition against the world's best. Bertil Fox was born in St Kitts, but became a British citizen. He won both the Mr. Britain and Mr Universe tides. Ernie Taylor is another well known bodybuilder, who comes from Britain.

The biggest bodybuilding competition m the world is the Mr 0lympia. The second biggest is the British Grand Prix. And all the top competitors from around the world come to take pan in this great event. Ronnie Coleman has won the event more than once (other Grand Prix - not the British. SG). We may not have the biggest competition, but we have the second biggest (not forgetting the sheer numbers that still value Nabba's Mr Universe. SG).

The Mr Britain tide is also a very prestige competition to win, with Reg Park winning it in l949. Bodybuilders do have a great love for Britain. The Mr Universe is still held here and the Grand Prix is a much sought after prize. Anyone winning the Mr Britain contest will be respected and the bodybuilder produced here are of the highest calibre. Britain. truly is one of the great bodybuilding nations of the world.