Bodybuilder Ben Lloyd wins the Natural Olympia in Las Vegas

Ben Lloyd – son of cricket legend David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd – finished off an already successful season at the Natural Olympia in Vegas and was the first winner of the competition from the UK.

The Natural Olympia is a drug-tested bodybuilding contest held annually by the International Natural Bodybuilding Association, known as the INBA.

The competition is for elite bodybuilders who train and compete without using performance-enhancing drugs or steroids, and aims to promote a safer version of the sport that could be recognised by the Olympics.

Personal trainer Ben, 40, had been training for the event for 35 weeks and following a strict diet to reach the final of the INBA Natural Olympia competition.

Ben’s chiselled physique was voted the best in the world (Image: Ben Lloyd) Taking on 26 bodybuilders from around the world, Ben flexed his way to the championship and was awarded $12,000 for his efforts.

Speaking following his victory, he said: “I am over the moon.

“It was a very good experience, there has been a lot of travelling as I have been to Austria, Germany, Denmark and in two weeks I will be going back for another show.

“It has been a good year so far. I am the only person from the UK who has won the natural Olympia, and this is the biggest of all the shows.”

READ MORE: How son of Bumble Ben Lloyd has risen to take on bodybuilding’s best in New York

Ben Lloyd is a personal trainer based in Accrington (Image: Ben Lloyd) Competitors are whittled down through numerous rounds which include Mr Universe and the Mr World finals, with the best of the best meeting at Natural Olympia.

Being drug-free is a big incentive for Ben, who says that the health risks of taking steroids massively outweigh the benefits of success in competitions.

On why he has chosen to remain a ‘natty’ bodybuilding, added: “It is for health reasons.

“It is a bit risky going down the other route and I have always preferred the straight way.”

He also advised anyone interested in getting into the industry to go and watch a show and realise what is attainable without using performance-enhancing drugs.

Ben said: “Go and watch a show. That lets you realise what is achievable.

“People don’t realise there is a drug-free one, and you think it is achievable and think they are not just massive monsters.”

Whilst most of the other federations admit steroids play a critical role in professional bodybuilding, the INBA makes its competitors to get blood or urine tests on-site and random tests outside of competition to maintain the integrity of the competition.

Penalties range from a yearlong suspension to a lifetime ban from the sport, depending on the results of the test.