Article i wrote for hard core Aussie muscle

WFF Universe 08

I was not looking forward to another long flight to Germany, my fifth in a row. I prefer travelling straight through, transfer in Singapore, arrive and relax travel done! When checking in I asked politely “is it possible to have an aisle seat with no one sitting next to me as I’ve had serious back issues (I pointed to my scars nasty! ) and travel poorly” . Hey it’s the truth, and on a packed plane both ways I had no one next to me, aah Singapore Airlines fantastic.

Upon arrival I’m booked at the Frankfurt Sheraton after sleeping on the plane (valium to relax my neck of course). I feel pretty good, even do a little shopping – under the airport is everything you need. That evening Al and Kristian roll up, they had agreed to share my room and at $528 aud/night that’s cool with me, we have a chat and Al lay on the bed and he’s out like a light.

Paul arrives Friday morning and we head to breakfast. Interesting to see Al have chicken breast with nutella in it, omelettes with nutella, (I thought I liked the stuff). We have great conversations getting to know each other, this is where the fun begins – unique personality’s all thrown together with a common interest.

We meet the other team members in the lobby at 12pm – Graeme, Jake, Nick, Jimmy, Taylor, Adrianne, Dane. After a few language barrier issues we begin the 2 hour train trip to Fulda where the competition is held.

Arriving at the venue for registration and room assignment, it takes about an hour standing in a line that didn’t move. Some are getting frustrated, me I’m used to it. As I get closer I realize its guys organising everything – say no more.

I get assigned to the Casino Hotel the best have stayed at in all my trips. Beautiful views of the mountains and fields and only 100 metres walk from the venue. Poor Paul and Taylor were about 4kms away and on the day of the comp we arranged for Paul to come stay at our hotel.

Breakfast the day of the show. All are in attendance including Wayne of GMV (man I love his stories). Some are starting to carb up, the mood is good, expectations high.

Grading at 1pm to be placed in one of 4 classes – Fitness, Performance, Athletic, Superbody, Extreme if necessary. I find myself on stage with 19 men from 40 to 49 – once again I am in the final 4 to be paced in Superbody which my lower body certainly is not. Grading ran from oldest to youngest so I get to watch to other boys from the audience.

The night show rolls around. Al goes out in the Performance line up, flexes those quads and is told to leave the stage and come back in Athletic! I think Jesus what if he turned around and flashed those sliced glutes – you could grate cheese on them! He places second, an awesome achievement. Kristian is looking great and takes 5th in a tough Superbody class.

After the grading Graeme’s ( NABBA/WFF world vice president ) comments give me hope of a win, but hours of eating transforms Paul’s physique. Paul takes his top off and there went my Universe, he was freaky as usual and ends up in first place. Thinking I am a lock on second I am called third. I mumble shit more out of surprise. Graeme also looks surprised. I was really happy to keep my run of top 3 placings in tact. I just stood there and soaked it all in as I knew I was going to retire after this show.( Note ;Something i have since reconsidered, AGAIN !, dont pay attention to me show time )

Got some snaps with the boys after we left stage, trophies in hand we are all really pleased. It’s not a local show, the standard is high and the Aussies have a great track record.

Absolutely starving, the four of us head to Hungry Jacks the only place open at 3.15am. In line before us are about 8 young Germans off their freakin faces. Paul was giving them good old Aussies shit but they seemed to warm to him. Somehow he got passed the lot of them to the front of the queue, and had their free meal vouchers in hand without belting one of them, which as passive as I am, I wish he had done. All Al wanted was a sundae, not in a little cup in the biggest mutha he could find – one you would get a large coke in with heaps of chocolate topping. The 12 year old kids serving us did not understand, so he just hopped the counter and goes “look”, grabs the topping and starts pouring it on! Way to go Al! That’s my favorite after a show, probably because I’m so dehydrated. We knocked off two of Al’s special sundaes, burgers, fries, onion rings etc.

Full and tired Al took us cross country on the way home, the first time my Asics had seen mud! But at least they didn’t rely on my sense of direction as it’s shit house – we would have wound up in Budapest! 4.30am and finally in bed.

We awake at 7am for breakfast, catch up with all the crew from the night before and discuss the show. The mood is great, the pressure is off and everyone seems happy. Graeme asks if I’m still retired, yes!

We headed to Frankfurt to see Kristian off as he had a flight to catch. I dropped my bags at the Sheraton and headed in to meet Paul and Al in the city. When I arrived Al was posting on BOLEX!! Gotta love it! This is the time you get to relax, chat, talk about life – it’s the heart of why I have been so many times and I am blessed again to meet some really lovely people. Life long friendships can, and are made. We eat at every opportunity, ice cream, chilli, cake (Paul and Al even ate chicken salad WTF!) Al’s guts where starting to look like he’d swallowed a bowling ball! Mine look like I’d swallowed a turtle! Paul just grew! By 4pm, nearly falling asleep we decide to call it a day. I bid the guys farewell big bear hugs for them. They have decided to travel together for the next week or so in Europe.

If you ever get the opportunity to travel to one of these trips, grab it with both hands as the memories last a life time.

Note : Photos added in gallery