by John Plummer

The 1st IFBB European eChampionships is open to all IFBB-affiliated federations in Europe. The UKBFF is the only UK federation that meets this criterion.

For this ground-breaking event, Alex Brooks and Mariana Semchii have been selected for the UK.

Both women have previously enjoyed considerable success on stage and are sure to do their country proud, despite the problems of trying to get in contest shape during lockdown.

Alex, who competed at the Arnold Classic Europe in 2017, said: ''This new type of competing really tests your resilience - in many ways. I didn’t have the usual team behind me to help with tan, make up and prep but that didn’t stop me.

“This time I took to the living room under lockdown and did the best I could with what I’ve got.

“It wasn’t easy but I tried to stick to a daily routine, which made sure I got training and meal prep in as consistently as normal. I’m very fortunate that we have quite a bit of gym kit at home.”

Mariana, who only prepped for five weeks, has also been fortunate to have access to a gym owned by her boyfriend.

“Even with this it was much more different as normally we have more athletes preparing and it's a different vibe in the gym when you have someone to talk to and go through this journey together,” she says.

“I'm very thankful to the UKBFF for giving me this opportunity and I'm very happy to be able to represent the UK in such a big event.”

Competitors send photos and videos that are assessed by a panel of IFBB international judges, including the UK's Martin Kelly and Helen O'Reilly.

Categories include bodyfitness, bikini fitness, wellness, women's physique, fit model, bodybuilding, classic bodybuilding, classic physique, men's physique and muscular men's physique.

Each category has 500 euros prize money.

Follow the IFBB social media accounts for updates of the semi-finals and finals from 20 June.

Good luck to Alex and Mariana!

BIKINI FITNESS STARS SET FOR IFBB EUROPEAN ECHAMPIONSHIPS