YOUTH championed over experience at this year’s Andover Leisure Fitness Expo.

There was a remarkable result as a super-honed 16-year-old from Andover walked away with the prestigious overall bodybuilding prize.

Teenager Jake Lemon beat off tough competition from men many years his senior to take the top award.

It was all part of the annual fitness, bodybuilding and weightlifting event.

Lemon did the double on the day as well to make it a truly memorable occasion as he also won the junior bodybuilding prize.

The Expo is always a tough competition.

Part of its appeal is that it gives Leisure Centre members the opportunity to show off what they have accomplished through months of hard and dedicated training and careful eating.

This year was also the platform for British record holder Clifford Richards to show off his skills as he builds towards an incredible record attempt.

Richards, who is 36 and lives in Andover, who is preparing to match - or even exceed – the world record for a bench press, which currently stands at 210kg.

He took part in the Expo as part of his planned preparations for the Trio heading to national final challenge and said: “I have been powerlifting since I was 17, but have been competing professionally since 2004.

“I am currently ranked in the top three powerlifters in the country.

“The expo has provided me with a chance to compete with my friends, and see how much further I have to go before I attempt the world record.”

Expo organiser and Valley Leisure worker, Al Darmanin said: “The Expo has proven just what you can achieve if you put in the hard work and dedication.

“I am proud of everyone who has taken part. They should be proud of just how far they have come. I cannot wait to see everyone back next year.”

Winners included: 

  • Juniors bodybuilding: Jake Lemon
  • Over 40’s bodybuilding: Chris Yates
  • Women’s bodybuilding: Sophia Latte
  • Physique bodybuilding: Petr Dusbabek
  • Overall winner: Jake Lemon
  • Overall powerlifter: Phil Nosko