58-year-old Isle of Wight bodybuilder wins big in Birmingham

Pearl Dobson, of Yarmouth Road, lives, works and trains on the Island. 

The 58-year-old competed in the PCA Masters Bodybuilding competition in Birmingham last month, going up against women who were in some cases 20 years her junior. 

She won her class, and as a result, she has been invited to both the Miss Universe and British Championships later this year. 

It means she will have to continue her gruelling daily regime, which involves training and eating six meals a day.

Pearl Dobson. (Image: Pearl Dobson.)

"I've been going to the gym for a few years now, but I was getting frustrated with how my body wasn't really changing," said Pearl. 

"I decided to find an online coach to help me change and challenge myself, and that was and still is a real game changer.

"I got my head in the game and my diet in place, training at 5.30am and training five days a week at the Gym Group at Coppins Bridge. 

"My training is a mixture of weights and cardio, but more than anything, it is about mind set. 

Pearl Dobson during the the Saxon Classic PCA in Telford. (Image: Saxon Classic PCA)

"At the competition, I was hoping to go into the over 50s class but that didn't exist. 

"I found myself in with the over 35s instead, and won; I was in shock!

"My coach then suggested doing another show in Telford — the Saxon Classic PCA.

"Again, there was no class for the over 50s so I entered the bikini short class and came second.

"I'm 58 years old, and I hope I inspire people to believe in themselves; to keep fit and healthy as we go into our later years.

"I'm currently taking my exams to become a personal trainer."