Several competitors from Chem’s Gym took part in the UKBFF British Championships in Coventry, with two athletes winning national champion titles.
They were coached by Ian Chambers, who has run the gym for more than forty years.
Mr Chambers is now sharing his expertise with the next generation of bodybuilders.
Chalit Lomdee won the British Champion title in the Intermediate class, achieved second place in the Men’s Under 80kg bodybuilding category, and has been invited to compete internationally.
Ellie Goodfellow from Seaton wowed in her debut season by winning the British Champion title in the Beginners Bodyfit class.
She also came third in the Open Bodyfit category.
Chris Vallely, another Whitehaven local, took third place in the Men’s Over 60 class in his first year of competing.
Seventeen-year-old Joshua Carr, also from Whitehaven, ranked second in the Junior Bodybuilding class, facing athletes up to six years older than him.
Other gym members who are not coached by Ian, also received placings across several categories.
A spokesperson added: “All athletes showcased the dedication and resilience required to complete the demanding competition preparation process, proving themselves among the best in Britain.
“Other members of Chem’s Gym, not coached by Ian, also achieved placings across a range of categories.”
The UKBFF is part of the largest bodybuilding and fitness organisation in the world.
The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB), which was founded in 1946 by Ben and Joe Weider and has national federations in over 196 countries.
The group stages a programme of regional and national events every year.
The British Championships are held annually, usually in October.
Previous champions include Dorian Yates, Lisa Cross, Flex Lewis, Nina Ross, Nathan De Asha, and Ryan Terry.
More details about the competition can be found on the UKBFF website.