UK ATHLETES SHINE IN GREECE!

UK competitors excelled as the IFBB international season in Europe got off to a brilliant start Greece with the President Santonja's Cup and the €26,000 IFBB Elite Pro Nafplio.

The weekend began with 160 amateurs taking part in the President Santonja's Cup, and few made more impact than Britain's Francesco Rocha.

Francisco won gold and bronze in masters men's physique and his height category respectively to follow on from his double gold a week earlier at the UK Nationals.

The following day 59 more competitors took to the stage in six categories for the IFBB Elite Pro Nafplio.

British champion Mahmoud Elmawardy, making his IFBB Elite Pro debut, claimed silver in a 20-strong line-up in men's physique to win €1,000.

Mahmoud was runner-up to Ukrainian Dmytro Voievodchuk in an event that featured 20 athletes from 17 different countries, highlighting the global strength of the IFBB.

British wellness champion Alaura Galeru, who was also making her pro debut, then finished fourth in her category to claim €500.

Brazilian superstar and current world champion Angela Borges once again won in wellness.

Mahmoud will be back in action at this weekend's inaugural IFBB Elite Pro France, which has $18,000 prize money. British bodyfitness champion Kristie Sanderson plans to make her pro debut in the same event.

Alaura plans to get back on stage the following weekend at the €15,000 IFBB Elite Pro Malta.