WFF-WBBF Millennium Gold Plate 2010

According to Tommy Du Rand, President of WFF & WBBF, the start of the 2010 season has been a great success. "The Millennium Gold Plate showed us that our federation is alive and in very good shape", he says.

The Millennium Gold Plate was held at Springs Civic Centre on Saturday the 10^th of April 2010. "184 athletes entered, which meant we were in for a fantastic show, and the athletes didn't disappoint," explains Tommy. The athletes were supported by over 1400 cheering spectators, most of whom were still present when the overall division was decided. Colin Campbell, a novice competitor who was in amazing condition, walked away with the first place prize for his division, as well as the overall title, making him the Mr Millennium Gold Plate 2010 champion.

"A word of thanks needs to go out to the panel of judges who did a sterling job in allowing each division to be judged fairly", says Tommy. "Their dedication to our sport is highly appreciated. A big thanks also goes out to all others who contributed to the success of the show."

The turnout for the Model Fitness Bikini division was totally unexpected, but it was wonderful to see how the female division is growing within this sport. There were so many female athletes for this division that competition organisers needed to separate them into two sections in order to accommodate them all. The evening gown division was spectacular and all the female athletes that competed were absolutely magnificent. This under 1.65m division was won by Michelle Van Rooyen, with Monica Visser winning the over 1.65m division.

The Classic Performance and Performance Figure division was also of a very high standard, according to Tommy. "The female competitors need to be congratulated for the quality of their physiques", he says. "You have set a very high standard so early on in the year, so we can look forward to even greater things as the year progresses. It is a privilege that our stage is graced with such beauty."

This year saw the addition of a brand new division for the disabled included in the show. "This division had the crowd out of their chairs, applauding and cheering", describes Tommy. "This sent shivers running down everyone's spine. This division just shows everyone that anything is possible if you have the right mindset. So a huge congratulations is in order for these brave athletes. We hope that we are helping to develop this new division and who knows, we may soon see a dedicated competition for these athletes going on the response we got."

The Kid Fit Division for boys and girls is a platform for young athletes to show off their progress and development - and did they ever! "The energy that these kids have should be bottled and sold to us older folk!" jokes Tommy. "They are able to perform without any inhibitions and truly enjoy themselves on stage.

"Our juniors continue to surprise and astound us with their competitive edge on stage that belies their age", he continues. "The development seen in these young physiques is very encouraging to say the least. Our sport is definitely healthy and moving forward. Congratulations to the U/21 winner Mark Zadlo - don't give up as this is your year! You were outstanding on stage and the rightful winner of your division.

"Congratulations to all the senior male competitors, you guys were in tremendous condition and made it tough on the judges to come up with a winner for each division", says Tommy. "It is not healthy when one athlete simply dominates his division, so it is great to see that all the winners were determined by a well fought contest. The fact that it is still very early in the competitive bodybuilding season should encourage all you athletes, especially knowing that no matter what position you came it wasn't far off from the winner." All the hard work and prep could be seen as the winners took their place on the podium. "With this great platform to start your year off of, your destiny is now in your hands, so its up to you how well you perform this year.

"The organisers would once again like to thank our sponsor USN. Your support is the only reason that the show was as successful as it was. A big thanks to Albie Geldenhuys, the owner of USN for always being there for the athletes. The WFF & WBBF Federation of South Africa is highly appreciative of all the support and sponsorship that we gratefully received from you", concludes Tommy.

Millennium Gold Plate 2010 Results