By THOMAS TAWELL COMMUNICATIONS director by day, bodybuilder Nik Okerika has just been crowned Novice Mr Lincolnshire. Mr Okerika, 34, of Wisbech posed to perfection against the county s top muscle men at Sleaford. He said: I thought I was going to come

By THOMAS TAWELL

COMMUNICATIONS director by day, bodybuilder Nik Okerika has just been crowned Novice Mr Lincolnshire.

Mr Okerika, 34, of Wisbech posed to perfection against the county's top muscle men at Sleaford.

He said: "I thought I was going to come second, so when they read my name out I was absolutely ecstatic. You spend so many weeks training and dieting for 20 minutes on stage, so there's a lot of pressure. To win was the icing on the cake."

Saturday's competition lasted two and a half hours. To win the title, he had to do a routine to music lasting 90 seconds. He was compared to other competitors and had to strike compulsory poses.

Judges were looking for the best body shape, definition, muscularity and symmetry.

Mr Okerika said: "When I was pumping up back stage, someone I work with was looking really impressive. I thought he had me beat."

The workmate was in fact his brother-in-law, Jon Whitmore, who took second place.

Mr Okerika has been bodybuilding for 20 years.

He last competed in the Heart of England competition in Rugby where he came sixth out of eight.

Mr Okerika whose competition weight is 13st 5lbs needs to eat every three hours to give him enough energy to train and compete.

"I spend �50 to �60 each week just on meat, mainly chicken. That's about 10 kilos, about the weight of 10 bags of sugar."

He also spends around �50-�60 a week on proteins and other supplements.

His motivation for competing is simply to keep healthy. It is a hobby that he enjoys and helps him to escape the stress of work.

He trains at Ironworks in Wisbech.

Owner Martin Green, said: "He's been coming in here for about three years now. He's been giving 100 per cent commitment and he lives and breathes weightlifting. He deserves this title."

Twelve weeks prior to a show he trains six to seven times a week. Otherwise he is there four to five times a week.

As for the future, he plans to take a year out to bulk up some more. Then he hopes to challenge for more prestigious titles.

"I'm going to take a couple of weeks rest. Then I'm going to take a year out to put some more size on. After this I'll go back and try and win a Mr title. Hopefully I will win a bigger title in 2011.

"I would like you to mention a big thanks to Matt Monk, who I train with, Martin Green and Jon Whitmore, my main rival and brother in law. The biggest thanks goes to my girlfriend, Lorna Robinson, who supports me every day helping prepare my food and helping me in the gym.