Isle of Wight bodybuilders Lance Griffiths and Pearl Dobson have achieved podium finishes at a major international Masters bodybuilding competition in Brazil.
Lance, 63, and Pearl, 60, competed at the NPC World Masters Championships in Campinas, the largest bodybuilding event in South America dedicated to Masters athletes aged 35 and over.
The competition attracted more than 2,000 athletes from around the world and is regarded as one of the most competitive events on the Masters circuit, with elite competitors across all age categories.
Lance achieved an outstanding result, winning the 60+ category and also finishing 2nd in the 50+ category. The event marked his first appearance on stage since 1989, making the achievement particularly notable.
Pearl also produced a strong performance, securing 2nd place in the highly competitive 50+ category against a field described as one of the strongest line-ups of world-class Masters athletes.
Following Pearl’s success earlier this year at the Arnold Sports Expo, the pair decided to test themselves together at international level.
Despite training alongside one another, preparation proved demanding due to their different physiques and competitive requirements, presenting both physical and mental challenges.
Speaking after the event, Lance said:
“Bodybuilding has moved on dramatically, and so has the quality of the athletes.
Preparation was extremely hard for me, but I knew I had Pearl’s support all the way through.”
Pearl, who has competed more than 20 times in the past 3 years, said she was proud to compete on the international stage alongside Lance.
Lance and Pearl added:
“We want people to know that great things can be achieved at any age.
Article continues below this advertisement “It comes down to mindset, consistency, and refusing to let numbers define you. Age really is just a number.”
The success of the Isle of Wight bodybuilders on the world stage stands as powerful proof that strength, discipline, and ambition do not have an expiry date.
