/// BY
DARREN NICHOLHURST /// PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHANE WATKINS
BACK TO THE
IFBB PRO LEAGUE
I
N MAY 2014, IFBB PRO
James Llewellin entered the
BodyPower Pro Show in the
212 category. He finished in the
top 10, exceeding not only his own
expectations but the predictions
of others. Despite being happy
with his condition, James was
noticeably smaller and flatter than
usual, having taken the whole of
2013 off.
James’ competition plans
changed later that year, when some
close friends left the competitive
scene. This altered his career
goals, and made him question
what to do next.
Handed Back the Pro Card
In December 2014, James
announced that he was going to
be leaving the IFBB Pro League.
He never fully explained why he
decided to hand back his IFBB Pro
status- simply stating he was
‘comfortable’ with the decision.
Some time after walking away
from the IFBB, James turned to
NABBA, who agreed it was ok for
a Pro from another federation to
compete in the NABBA Universe.
But frustration hit, when deep
into his prep James learned there
had been a slight revolt from people
who felt it was unfair that an IFBB
Pro was going to compete in the
NABBA Pro-Am.
After some deliberation, NABBA
officials ruled that James would
have to sit out a 2 year ban before
competing in the NABBA Pro ranks.
In a bid to avoid wasting the
arduous weeks of strict dieting and
lean gains he’d already endured,
James decided to compete in the
WABBA Hercules Olympia instead.
He entered as planned and
smashed the other competitors,
winning his class and taking the
overall title. Following this victory,
James kept his head down and
began to focus on entering the
NABBA Pro-Am in April 2016, by
which time his ban would have
expired.
James went on to win his class at
the show, earning him an invite to
the NABBA Britain in May 2016,
where he went on to win his class
again, and take the overall British
title. This qualified him to compete
in the NABBA Universe in October
the same year.
At the Universe, James won his
class and only narrowly missed out
on the overall title.
Things Changed
Despite his success with NABBA,
James felt he truly belonged with
the IFBB and requested his Pro card
be reinstated. This was granted last
year, and he is really excited to be
back in the federation where it all
started. James is now planning to
prep for an IFBB Pro League show
later on this year.
The moral of this story? Follow
your heart, even if it takes you back!
APRIL 2018 | FLEX
47