Built bodies bring home medals | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

Inglewood's Evelyn Walsh and Edward Aish, came home from the National Bodybuilding Championships sporting medals and hope to continue their winning ways at the Taranaki competition being held this weekend.

Evelyn won the Novice Figure Short title and Edward took home 3rd place in the Novice Mens 80-90kg category.

Considering this was only their second competition (they both qualified for nationals in Wellington earlier this year), it was a mean feat to take on the country's best bodies.

"I only went to have a look around and never thought I would place as well as I did," said Evelyn.

Both Edward and Evelyn had no aspirations of being on stage 18 months ago, but thanks to hard work and dedication, the pair have shaped their bodies into great form.

Training with Phil and Chantelle Kuklinski at Inglewood Weightlifting and Fitness inspired Evelyn and Edward to go all the way into the competitive sport of bodybuilding.

"I had been going to the gym for about a year, but hadn't lost weight. I felt good, but didn't really realise what I looked like. It wasn't until I added in the diet that the kilos came off," said Edward.

He lost a total of 35kg and 28 percent body fat.

Evelyn had done a Special K triathlon, but wanted to get fitter.

She too transformed her body and has been blowing people away with the change in her physique.

Edward and Evelyn have been in hardcore training for months, and only had two days off after the nationals before they were back to it in preparation for this weekend's Taranaki competition.

"It has been hard work, but it has all been very worth it," said Edward.