Susan Simons was the big winner at the inaugural National Physique Committee Worldwide Royal Grand Prix Bermuda Regional Qualifier.

The 40 year-old mother of one came away with an impressive three titles - the Wellness Over 40, Wellness Open ‘A’ and Wellness Overall - and she revealed she was determined to achieve her goals on the big stage at the Ruth Seaton James Centre last weekend.

“I went in with the expectation of the top-two finish I needed to remain qualified to compete at the US nationals shows in 2024,” she told The Royal Gazette.

“I was genuinely surprised to have won the overall. We battled for about three minutes on stage with the judges saying it was a very close decision. When they called my number I nearly passed out and really could not believe it.”

Simons faced a tough preparation for the event after not competing in 2022.

“This was a tough prep for me,” she said. “I took last year off and really enjoyed life, so from January we started a baseline fat-loss plan.

“We prepped for about three months and really went as aggressive as possible. We didn’t get as lean as we wanted but it was my best look to date. We peaked as best we could with the level of leanness we were able to achieve. I felt so good that day, confident and relaxed.“

Simons was one of three competitors picking up multiple honours at the event alongside Alex Dill and Susan Rebello.

Dill came away with the Men’s Physique Master Over 35 and Men’s Physique Open ‘C’ titles, while Rebello was crowned Overall Women’s Bodybuilding Open and Overall Women’s Physique Open champion.

Others enjoying success were George Moroianu and Kyle Santucci Men’s Masters Over 40 and Men’s Classic Physique Open Overall titles.

Jaydon Goddard, who won the Men’s Overall Physique, won the pose-off between champions at the end of the event to win an entry into the Caribbean Grand Prix in November.

More than 20 athletes took part in the event who all automatically qualified for an international professional qualifier of their choice.