Mark Gaunt, 50, from Ipswich, won the title at the PCA Naturals championships in Telford, where he competed in the Masters 50+ Bodybuilding category on Saturday, September 26.
His victory earned him a place in the finals the following day, which he also won to take the British title.
Mr Gaunt said: “Standing on that stage at 50 years old as British champion is something I’ll never forget.
“I want people to see that age isn’t a barrier.
“With the right approach you can build the best version of yourself at any stage of life.”
Natural bodybuilding is a drug-tested discipline in which competitors rely solely on training, nutrition and discipline.
Mr Gaunt’s title win marks the culmination of a comeback season after two years away from competition.
He had previously finished second at the UKDFBA show in Rugby and at the championship in Wigan.
He joined the police force at 20 and served for 30 years across Essex and London.
He now runs online coaching business State Red Fitness with his wife, Carly, also a former police officer.
The Ipswich couple have coached clients across the UK and abroad for around six years.
Around 90 per cent of their clients are everyday people aiming to improve their health and fitness.
Ms Gaunt said: “We ask a lot of our clients, so it means everything to show we practise what we preach.
“I’m so proud of him.”
Mr Gaunt is set to compete in October at the NBW International Championship in Rotherham.
Afterward, he plans to take a break to spend time with Carly and their two sons, Ethan and Robert, before preparing for next year.
