Paul Simons gave Bermuda bodybuilding a ringing endorsement after achieving an impressive hat-trick of medals competing at the NPC Boca Raton Ultimate Grand Prix in Florida last month.

The local policeman won gold in the masters 55 and over men’s classic physique and men’s physique competitions as well as a silver in the men’s lightweight bodybuilding to exceed his expectations heading into the event by far.

“It was definitely one of my better shows,” Simons told The Royal Gazette. “Of course it’s always nice to hit the podium and stuff but my expectation was to have a better showing than I did in the Bermuda show [NPC Worldwide Grand Prix Bermuda Regional Qualifier] as far as my condition is concerned. I wasn’t that happy with my condition and was looking for something to do immediately after.

“This show was advertised at the Bermuda show, so I decided this was a good idea and started to extend the time to condition for another five weeks to see where I was at.”

The 56-year-old also had other another incentive to put his best foot forward on the big stage.

“I wanted to prove to myself that you can overcome anything because I ripped my hamstring in May,” Simons added. “I ran the masters 60 metres in the Move More Bermuda Senior Games that I won but I ripped my hamstring, which was a significant tear.

“I made up my mind that I am still going to participate in whatever I had planned to participate in providing the injury is not going to stop me from competing.

“I couldn’t really get into preparation for the Bermuda show like I wanted to.

“I didn’t start that until just before Cup Match, so that was about six to eight weeks before the Bermuda show and then I continued on preparation for this overseas show.”

Simons now hopes to improve upon his recent success in pursuit of his goals moving forward.

“I am always planning to build on what I have already established and just improve,” he said.

“That’s the way I look at it; what can I do the next time.

“So I am back in the gym and doing my cardio stuff because I am looking at my pictures to see what I can improve on for next time.

“It’s always a journey and I will always feel I have more work to do.”