A Royal Naval sailor has reached international level for the first time in his quest for body-building perfection.
Chief Petty Officer Steve Winter, who works at Devonport Naval Base, Plymouth, is due to represent his country this week in Spain for the first event of the year.
He has qualified for and been selected for the UK team (UK Federation of Body Building and Fitness Federation - UKBFF) competing in the European Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in Santa Susanna.
This major achievement entitles him to enter future international events when selected. Major body-building competitions include the Arnold Classic, International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) Diamond Cup and Amateur Olympias.
Steve works for the Royal Navy’s Flag Officer Sea Training organisation as a ships damage control instructor teaching RN and foreign navies in fire-fighting, damage control, chemical training & search & rescue.
He said: “Two weeks ago I received an email inviting me as part of the U.K. Team to represent our country in the European Championships. As you can imagine I'm a bit shocked as it’s not every day you get asked something like this. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent your country.’’
Steve started competing in bodybuilding in 2011, and has qualified for two British Finals (but could not compete due to commitments) with the Natural Physique Association (NPA) and had placings in the top three with two regional shows.
This year he switched from the discipline of ‘bodybuilding’ to ‘physique’. This has been a successful move – leading to victory in the (UKBFF) Masters (over 40's) Physique class.
It is as the national masters physique champion that he has been selected to be part of the UKBFF team in Spain. The IFBB are the biggest bodybuilding & fitness in the world (Mr Olympia in Vegas is an IFBB event.
Steve added: “I decided to compete again after two years away from the stage, as I felt I had not fully achieved what I wanted. It was unfinished business, gaining that elusive first place.
“I dieted for 15-weeks to get into my peak condition and it does get more difficult as you get older, as your metabolism slows down and you have more commitments in life to deal with, but I wouldn't change it for the world.”
“To win my masters in Liverpool was very emotional and I felt elated. But never in a million years did I think I would be representing the UK at 42-years-old overseas in an international competition.’’
He thanked his family backing: “If it wasn't for the support of my amazing wife Samantha and my family, I wouldn't have been able to get to where I am now. My son Thomas who is seven is very excited about my next competition and it’s a double joy for me as I am soon to be a father again to a daughter, Charlotte in just a couple of months time.”
This event, the 2016, includes the following disciplines: men, women, juniors and masters titles in Bodybuilding, Classic Bodybuilding, Physique, Fitness, Bodyfitness, Bikini-Fitness, Mixed Pairs.
