He took on the World, and didn't do badly.

Haverfordwest bodybuilder Rodney Owens was placed eighth in the NABBA Universe Bodybuilding Competition in Birmingham.

He competed despite only being back in training for the last 18 month, and after finishing second this year in his category in both the Welsh and British Open, was officially invited to compete in the NABBA 'Mr Universe' section.

NABBA is the National Amateur Bodybuilders Association, the oldest federation for bodybuilding, and was made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger when he was crowned Mr Universe back in 1967 .

Competitors come from all over the World and Rodney's was an Open Class, which allows athletes aged 21 and above to participate - and ironically it was that exact number that the 49-year-old competed against.

"To be placed so high and being the oldest competitor on that stage was an amazing feeling," said Rodney.

"And also being recognised by the judges for a huge transformation in my legs was worth every minute of the pain and hard work."

Rodney is coached by George Wandrum, himself a Welsh champion, and trains at the Powershack Gym in Haverfordwest.

He also thanked Fred Hughes Butchers and Son Butchers for their supplies and also Tim Pawlett, who he says brought him into show training. He also mentioned Jill Evans who he has trained with these past eight weeks - and who herself has picked up first, second, third and fourth placings in various bikini competitions this year.