For a guy taking his first stab at competitive bodybuilding, Dana Barlow has done pretty well for himself.
The Estevan resident took first place in the welterweight division at the Saskatchewan Amateur Bodybuilders Association provincials held Saturday in Lloydminster.
Barlow, 49, also placed third in the 40-and-over masters division at his first-ever provincial championship.
"I didn't know how it was going to go because there were only two in the welterweight, but the other guy was in really good shape," he said.
"I really wasn't sure if I had first or second. It was really close."
Judges scored the two men only one point apart.
Barlow described the masters category as the best of the best from different weight classes.
"The masters was really tough, so I wasn't even expecting to place there. I was really happy with third."
Barlow received 16 points in that competition, putting him three out of second place.
Although there were fewer athletes at provincials than last month's novice event, where Barlow won the masters division, he said the playing field was much tougher.
"The novice was a bigger show, but it always is. The level of competition was a lot higher (at provincials)."
Barlow, who only began training 20 weeks before the novice classic, said his experience has given him more than just the trophies.
"I came a long way, too. It was amazing."
His bodybuilding season is now over, but his rapid success has him motivated to go further in the sport.
"I'm going to do provincials again next year, so I'll work all year on building, and I'll probably do nationals too."
