The youngest competitor ever to enter the OCB Pittsburgh Pro Qualifier bodybuilding tournament, held last month in Murrysville, won the Classic Physique category in the teen age group.

James Swift, 14, of Murrysville, was one of many vying for titles during the competition’s 30th year.

“I started going to Dean’s Fitness last summer, and before that, I just did exercise at my house,” said Swift, an eighth-grader at Franklin Regional Middle School. “I went to the show last year with my dad, and it gave me a real reason to keep exercising and getting healthy.”

The show is sanctioned by the Organization of Competitive Bodies, a non-profit drug-free organization whose purpose is to provide a level playing field for athletes.

Swift said working his way up to a competitive bodybuilding show was both a physical and mental challenge.

“Going to the gym six times a week while still going to school is tough,” he said. “And watching what you’re eating is also hard. I have allergies, too, so it was tough to eat everything I needed in order to stay on track.”

Swift said he enjoyed seeing the results of his effort.

“Being able to see the difference between last year and now, even if I hadn’t won, I’d still be proud at the change in my mind and body,” he said.

Other competitors taking top spots in the show included:

• JT Tom of Murrysville, took first place in the men’s physique category in both the 40- and 50-plus age groups.

• Brett Megee won the men’s physique open category.

• Severn Squib won the men’s physique category in the teen age group.

• Matthew Heavner won the men’s classic physique in the novice group.

• Robert Esque won the men’s classic physique open category.

• Kyle Walters won the men’s bodybuilding category in the 40-plus age group, as well as the men’s bodybuilding open category.

• Joe Sharrow of Lower Burrell won the men’s bodybuilding category in the 50+ age group.

• Kyle Oresick won the men’s bodybuilding category in the teen age group.

• Adrienne McElhaney won the women’s physique open group.

• Linda Rowe won the women’s figure category in the 40-plus age group, as well as the figure novice category.

• Robin Yingling won the women’s figure category in the 50-plus age group.

• Brittani Greaney won the women’s figure open category.

• Chelsea Therese won the bikini novice category, as well as the bikini open (B) category, and was the overall bikini winner.

• Mia Hursh won the bikini open (A) category.

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