Well this article will have a range of emotions throughout it.

First is happy, well we all know that on the 31^st of July was the Waikato champs. The family headed to our hotel on Friday night and then it was off to see Teresa for the final weigh in. All looked good but I had spent too long in the shower after my first tan so Phaedra had to have her first go at tanning her husband. She did a wonderful job, interesting being naked on a towel and bending and lifting all your limbs so she can get everywhere. I hope she is not scared for life.

Next day we were down to the weigh in early, holding my breath and crossing my fingers worked as I was under my max allowed weight. With that over it was time to carb up.

The time had come finally, all tanned up and pumped up with a belly of port the judging round started. I was bloody nervous and I think I over posed, I could not stop my body shaking. Anyway it was enjoyable hearing the family and friends cheering me on.

Went home and watched Get Smart in the hotel and relaxed then it was time for the night show. This time around I had more port and I think that was the trick. No shaking and I had a ball. My routine went wrong and I finished about 10 sec before the music so had to throw in some more poses, don’t think anyone knew. The pos down was the highlight of the night so far. Awesome all the cheering and getting in the face of your competitor.

After all the months of hard work and boring food the moment came. I managed to place second. Runner up at the Waikato Champs is pretty good in my eyes.

Now for the sad part of my story. After the comp I took a few days off and then was back into the diet and training, then I took Phaedra on a weekend of exploring Nelson with the plan of catching a salmon. Thanks to Pete and Caroline for an awesome weekend of good company and food.

When I got back a decision was made by myself to hang up my posing trucks for now. I have two kids leaving home soon and my son also needs some time with his dad learning to use his new fishing rod.

So no National Champs this year, as Teresa said after i regretfully texted her “family comes first”

So with all that I would like to say a huge thank you to Teresa, Bart and Vanessa for taking me on one hell of a journey which showed me a new sport and got me healthier at the same time. And most of all I would like to thank my family for their support over the 9 mths it has taken.

And who knows, I still have the trunks and turn 40 next year (maybe the masters are my next goal)

So it is bye for now, best of luck to Bart and Vanessa at the Nationals, I will be there cheering you on.

See ya, Deano Bravo