Old Colwyn bodybuilder wins world title on her pro debut in Las Vegas

Laura Taylor-Harrison, who captained Abergele Ladies rugby team for three years, was the winner of the World Beauty Fitness and Fashion (WBFF)’s “worlds” event on August 12; her 41st birthday.

She was named "Miss WBFF Fitness (world)" at the event.

Laura (right) after being crowned winner (Image: Laura Taylor-Harrison)

And the next day, she and husband Dan tied the knot at a hotel in Las Vegas, capping off an unforgettable weekend.

She will also be competing on the BBC’s rebooted version of “Gladiators”, hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh and set to air later this year.

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Laura, who owns Taylor and Pearson Hairdressing in Old Colwyn, was supported in Las Vegas by Dan, who runs CXF Wellbeing in Rhos-on-Sea, and her two youngest sons.

Laura after winning the world title (Image: Laura Taylor-Harrison)

“Most people will do a few pro shows because they go to the ‘worlds’, but not me – and I won!”, she said.

“I didn’t expect it, because I had only done 1 other competition within the WBFF before, and it’s pretty unheard of to win a world title on your pro debut.

“We had to do a ‘T walk’ - like a catwalk kind of show - and then wear ‘theme-wear’, my theme was a lion. I won my pro card in may last year – so I just thought: ‘Let’s go to Vegas for my pro debut, and get married at the same time!”

Laura the WBFF 'worlds' event (Image: Laura Taylor-Harrison)

As well as earning a cash prize for taking the world title, Laura also received a crown, sash and flowers.

She was inspired to take up bodybuilding, she said, following the death of her mother after she had battled cancer for several years.

Laura added: “After she died, I told myself that I didn’t have any excuses for moaning about how I looked, having watched her battle cancer for seven years.

“Rugby gave me the confidence to get back into the gym, which led me to go down the competing route. People who know me know that I don’t do things by halves!

“This year, I was diagnosed as being neurodiverse, as well, so this is a massive positive for me. So many people struggle with this, but for me, it’s led me to this moment.

“It’s a pretty unique thing that I did, so it was a lot to take in. it was a pretty surreal experience. Maybe next year, I’ll be one of the gladiators!”