Bodybuilder Scott Jezzard third in World Natural Bodybuilding Federation finals

Scott Jezzard took part in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation finals in Seattle

A bodybuilder is celebrating coming third in one of the sport's most high profile international competitions.

Scott Jezzard, 36, from Wantage, Oxfordshire, represented Great Britain in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation finals in Seattle in the US last month.

The event sees participants going through compulsory testing to cut out steroid and other drug use.

He said achieving a top three finish was "unbelievable".

"I was just chuffed to be able to go with Team GB. There's no better feeling than representing your country," he said.

"I've put so much effort in over 10 years, so to come third in the world was unbelievable."

He finished third in the light heavyweight men's open category.

Scott Jezzard travelled to the US with his parents Brian and Jackie and his girlfriend Sasha Owen

'Staying consistent'

Along with the other competitors from about 50 other countries at the event in Seattle, he went through a series of rounds, being marked on muscularity, health, condition and balance.

He said: "Everyone had worked hard to get there - you could tell it was the next level up.

"It's about consistency - success comes from making it happen. You get up and do it. It's about working hard and staying consistent."

Scott Jezzard was eating eight meals a day in the run-up to the championships

He said making it to the world finals was an achievement in itself, as he had suffered a knee injury in 2021.

The build-up to the event meant a regime of eight meals a day, gym training and a 45-week diet with the aim of losing fat and keeping muscle.

Working as a contract manager for the family construction firm, Mr Jezzard also has to schedule eating and training around his work.

His parents have followed his progress in the sport over the past decade while his girlfriend helped him with his choreographed section in the finals - accompanied by Supertramp's Don't Leave me Now.

"The satisfaction of doing it naturally when you know it's a level playing field, it's actually nice to compete in," he said.

"It's quite a lonely sport. You are on your own training a lot, so to have the support of your family is quite special."