Three years ago, Mr Stewart lost an incredible 30 kilos and he said the decision to enter the competition last month was a personal challenge.

“It was more a fitness goal than anything else – I’m 47 and I just thought it would be a great achievement to be able to get up on stage,” Mr Stewart explained to the Katherine Times.

However, he did much more than just that.

The proud father of four took out second place in the WFF Men’s Athletic  (Men’s Open) division.

“My intention was purely to have a good enough result so I could get up on the stage, not even to get a place, so it was pretty incredible and just a really unexpected result,” Mr Stewart said.

The experience also brought with it some other unexpected elements.

“The hardest part was probably in the last four weeks – the drastic change in your diet and increasing the intensity of the workout really messes with your emotions.

“Luckily for me, my family was really supportive, and I was also amazed at just how genuine and supportive the majority of the guys in the competition were as well.”

He added that there was a great sense of sportsmanship among the competitors. 

As to whether he will return to the stage in an attempt to go one better next year, he said the focus for the moment was on enjoying a more relaxed pace at the gym.

“I’m not necessarily aiming for another competition, but I enjoy going to the gym and I think I’ll keep the routine going as though I were aiming for a competition, and see how I’m feeling in six months’ time and reassess,” he said.

Not to be outdone, the event also produced a great result for Katherinite Tammy Healey, who took out second place in the NABBA Ladies Figure Open division.