I have always been smaller than my friends and was constantly picked on because of it. One day in high school, I decided to do something about it. I figured if I couldn't be tall, I should be big. Starting that day, I trained hard and focused on building a better physique and bodybuilding slowly became my passion.
I started taking bodybuilding more serious during my freshman year in college. I took dieting and training to another level and haven't looked back. I competed in my first show and loved it. Now I plan to continue training and eating to the best of my abilities so I can take my physique up a notch.
My passion for fitness emerged when I realized I have the power to control my physique. It's all about seeing the results work for others and believing you can do it too. You can't commit halfway and expect great results; it takes full devotion and commitment.
The pure joy and happiness I get from being in shape drives me. It puts life in a different perspective and makes every day more joyful, especially when you share a common goal with someone and help them reach their potential too. It's a feeling that no one can really explain or take from you.
When I had days where I was dragging, I looked to my close peers or others who set the bar very high. Seeing what others do makes me strive to be better than them. I work extra hard to achieve greatness.
My future fitness plans are to achieve everything I can in bodybuilding and win as many contests as possible. I want to use my talent to help others by getting a degree in exercise science or by becoming a personal trainer. I want to leave an impact on bodybuilding for others to follow.
Keep an open mind and never stop asking questions. It's easy to think you know it all, but nobody knows everything. Learn as much as possible from others. It's important to create your own identity. There's nothing wrong with taking advice and picking up tips from those who have been there before.
My favorite competitor is Flex Lewis. Flex is a great inspiration to short guys in bodybuilding like me and has done a lot for the sport. He recently began hosting his own competition in my home state of Tennessee. I appreciate the hard work he puts into training and how he carries himself with class. I have lots of respect for him.
Bodybuilding.com helps me daily to reach my goals by providing forums for training and dieting advice. I appreciate the positive and critical feedback from others on the site.
Competition history:
2012 Hub City Fitness Quest - 2nd Place Teen Overall, 6th Place Novice Overall