Photos & Results: 2022 Lee Priest Classic.
It’s been 7 years since the Lee Priest Classic was last held in Australia, and much to the delight of Australian competitors, it returned today at the Mytelinian House, in the Southwestern suburbs of Sydney.
It indeed reignited the flames of NABBA in Australia, with the opportunity to grace the stage of the NABBA Universe Titles in the stunning St Georges Hall, Bradford – UK.
I have to say that this event was unlike any bodybuilding competition I have attended. There was an enchanting relationship between the athletes and Thomas Masi (now the NABBA Executive Associate of Future Vision and Culture). Athletes were gracious, acknowledging both Thomas and Lee upon winning and during the show, they would even approach and speak to Thomas like that of a family member, informing him of any individual changes. There was a mutual respect among staff and competitors – a unique quality in any federation. Their main organizer Maria is 8 months pregnant and was still catering to the athletes!!!
The hopes of quality physiques representing Lee’s home-land, was always going to come with big expectations. This was the first time PRO CARDS have been offered in NABBA Australia, with Three available in the fitness divisions (Classic BB lightweight, Mens Sports Shorts and Bikini),.
Athletes were relaxed and supportive of each other both on and off stage, which again had that old skool feel of videos you would see of Arnie and Franco training together, and their playful comradery at shows.
The atmosphere completely changed on the entrance of Lee with an elevated buzz of excitement and not long after, it was underway. Lee remained very poised and did not give much away during the show. Again, he was very gracious on approach by all, signing medals for competitors upon request and getting pictures with those in awe of his achievements. Another former Mr Universe, John Terelli was seated among the crowd, and between the two of them – there was an illustrious charge in the air.
During a discussion with Thomas Masi and Lee Priest , Thomas made clear reference to the original standards set by the prestigious federation, and NABBA Australia’s mission to honoring their athletes and providing them with support in a professional “career”. Aiming to both support the athlete in pursuing a bodybuilding career, but also ensuring they are provided with a clear understanding of what a PRO CARD entails. Most evident, was the ethical standard in providing unbiased and fair judging. It is one of the first in many bodybuilding events where I agreed with each and every placing.
Adhering to the standards of the oldest and most revered federation, it was decided that only one PRO CARD would be awarded tonight. This went to Chris Maglionico in the Classic Bodybuilding Lightweight division – well deserved as you will see by the below results and photos.
There was Pro Card quality in other divisions, with a few standout athletes and even a long-awaited win for Paul Smith, who returned to the NABBA stage after 25 years!!!! Chasing a victory and shedding the curse, as he said of “always coming second” “just missing out”. He mentioned that once upon a time he held the towel for Lee during a photoshoot in Lee’s earlier years, and to be handed the trophy tonight by Lee, was a surreal moment.
The women definitely took centre stage with outstanding and impressive muscle, and a few upcoming males who I feel will be in the spotlight in 2023. A great federation to be a part of for Australian Athletes who are serious about longevity in bodybuilding as well as support in competing on an international stage.
Special Awards for the night were awarded to:
Champion Trainer Award – Wayne Merito
Best Female Poser Award – Kate Hayter
Best Male Poser – Jay Lawler
Ms Bikini Overall NSW – Martha Aubrey
Mr Sports Shorts Overall NSW – Chris Miglionico
Mr Classic Bodybuilding Overall NSW – Matthew Day
Ms Australia Overall (Figure Best in Class) – Kate Hayter
Mr Australia Overall Bodybuilding (Best in Class) – David Cutler
2022 Lee Priest Classic Results
Women’s Physique
Alana Campbell
Swimsuit
Andrea Brewer
Sports Shorts Novice
Romani agia
Classic Bodybuilding (Height/Weight Formula)
1. Chris Miglionico
2. Darcy Colahan-Dickfos
3. Josh Watts
Bikini Open
1. Martha Aubrey
2. Andrea Brewer
3. Amanda Moody
Sports Shorts Open
1. Chris Miglionico
2. Cheyne Oliver
3. David Wilkie
Figure Athletic
1. Kate Hayter
2. Ana Lopes
3. Ana Coelho
Classic Bodybuilding Open
1. Matthew Day
2. Chris Miglionico
3. Brenton Gannon
Figure Novice
Karen Law
Bodybuilding Class 3 Over 165cm & Novice
1. Cheyne Oliver
2. Mussi El Sett
3. Jake Gutter
Novice
Brenton Gannon Gold
Bodybuilding Class 2 Over 172cm
1. Harry Vlahos
2. Owen Carlson
3. Luke McCallum
Bodybuilding Class 1 Over 179cm
1. Paul Smith
2. Matthew Day
3. Jay Lawler
MASTERS
Sport Shorts
David Wilkie
Bikini
1. Andrea Brewer
2. Amanda Moody
3. Anita Creevey
Bodybuilding
1. David Cutler
2. Jay Lawler
3. Harry Vlahos
Figure Trained
Tania Pederson
NABBA FEDERATION
Although Nabba started as an amateur event, the success of the event later introduced professional class in 1952. In 1984 NABBA made the decision to go International and now has more than 50 countries involved.
A short recap on Kevin Grech’s article on August 27: NABBA was formed in 1948 by then editor of Strength and Health magazine, David Johnson. It is said to be the “first and original competitive bodybuilding association”, with some of the most iconic names in bodybuilding history gracing the stages. Steve Reeves, who starred in over 30 Hercules movies, Frank Zane and of course Chris Dickerson and Bill Pearl who both passed away this year. Lou Ferigno, Serge Nubret, Robby Robinson and Bertil Fox are some of the most memorable bodies of NABBA other than of course, Lee Priest himself.
LEE PRIEST
Lee Priest was destined for bodybuilding, he began training at age 12 with his grandfather and quickly followed in his mother Lynn’s footsteps by competing. Lee shocked the world from the moment he stepped on the IFBB stage, winning, at the early age of 13, on home soil in Australia.
He continued to win at ages 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 where he was denied the opportunity to hold the Pro Card due to his young age – despite winning the World Championships two years earlier at age 17!!! Inevitably, he ventured to America and was finally awarded Pro status at age 20. Holding the youngest IFBB Pro title until later years when Jeff Seid would win at the age of 19.
Lee remained relentless on stage until winning the Ironman Pro in 2006, where he finally took a 7-year break to pursue his love for motorsports. After also winning multiple titles within the motorsport industry, Lee returned to the stage in 2013 reminding us all who The Blonde Myth is, and winning Mr Universe.
Understandably an Honorary Life Chairman, Lee stated prior to covid (as seen in Kevin Grech’s article from January 12, 2020) that he wanted to make NABBA great again in Australia and send teams to NABBA Universe and World competitions, and from what I seen today, NABBAs athletes will be ones to watch.
I was very impressed by Thomas Masi, and equally surprised by Lee’s humble manner, and will most certainly be watching NABBA Universe on Nov 5th, 2023 – to see how NABBA Australia’s athletes compare on the International stage.
The gallery was not found!
