Athletes from a gym in Barrow travelled to Bradford at the weekend to attend this year’s National Amateur Body-Builders' Association (NABBA) British Final competition.

And three young bodybuilders returned home from a weekend of competing with a host of trophies and an invite to the World Championships.

On Friday May 31, members of the Transformation Unit 247 were joined by family and friends as they travelled down to Bradford for the NABBA British finals.

Head coach and owner of the Transformation Unit 247 Kade Kendall, who boasts a collection of his own impressive bodybuilding titles, revealed the team walked away with three trophies as well as an invitation to the next stage of the competition.

The only female competitor entering from the Transformation Unit was Ellie Crabtree, who placed second in the British Novice Toned Figure category, despite a ‘strong line up’.

Kade said it had been an incredible year for Ellie and he was very pleased to see her ‘extremely hard work’ pay off.

After shedding six stone since starting her fitness journey, which she began after losing her dad, Ellie now has time to rest up before preparing to step on stage in 2025.

Radek Bemler ended his first competitive season on a high, placing second in the British Under 18s class. Kade said there was a ‘good battle’ on stage, which could have gone either way.

The 17-year-old will now enter a phase of health and recovery, with plenty of time to make improvements before returning next season.

Stand-out talent Dan Hall has had a ‘very successful year’ and placed first in the British Under 23s category, qualifying for both the World Championships in Austria as well as the Universe competition which will be held in November.

Kade said he has ‘high expectations’ for the young bodybuilder and feels positive about his progress going forward.

“I’m confident in Dan’s abilities,” Kade said. “He’s in great condition, with a shape, size and symmetry that is hard to match. I believe he could go all the way and claim the Mr Universe title.”

The athletes were accompanied by more than 20 people from the Transformation Unit, and at one point, the show was stopped to give credit to the level of support shown by the Barrow gym.

Kade said seeing three young bodybuilders from one gym consistently placing in the top spots ‘hasn’t really been done around here before’.

He said: “I’m very proud to be able to play a part in it. I’d like to thank all of the athletes for putting their trust in me, it’s been a privilege to be part of their journey.

“I’d also like to thank everyone from the Transformation Unit for their support, we’ll continue to work hard and bring out the talent hiding in everyone at our gym.”