Yang Hua from Hai'an, Nantong, stands in front of the podium at the IFBB Professional World Championships 2026. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Yang Hua from Hai'an, a county-level city of Nantong, Jiangsu province, claimed the 180-centimeter classic physique title and overall championship at the IFBB Professional World Championships 2026 in Santa Susanna, Spain, on Oct 30 (Beijing time).

With this victory, Yang became the first athlete in the event's history to win the overall title three consecutive times, following his victories at the 2024 championships in Iran and the 2025 edition in Saudi Arabia.

As the first world bodybuilding champion trained in Nantong, Yang began his professional career in 2017 under the systematic training program of the Nantong Bodybuilding Association.

According to Xu Qibao, head of the association, Yang's success reflects Nantong's efforts to promote fitness and develop competitive sports talent. In recent years, the city has strengthened its training, talent selection and development programs for bodybuilding, encouraging wider public participation in the sport.

Yang said the three consecutive titles were both recognition of his hard work and a new starting point. He plans to maintain his competitive form and share his experience in Nantong to help nurture the next generation of local bodybuilders.