FOCUSED FLEX
Indian born, P.E.I. resident to compete at The Arnold Sports Festival USA in Ohio
P.E.I.’s Christo José is headed to The Arnold
Christo Jose’s dream is to follow in the footsteps of his hero Arnold Schwarzenegger.
He will compete in one of the biggest bodybuilding events in the world, inspired by his hero, The Arnold Sports Festival USA March 5-8 in Columbus, Ohio.
“This is my dream, this is my ambition,” he said.
Originally from Thrissur, India, Jose has lived on the Island for the past four years with his family.
The Charlottetown resident said he has worked tirelessly on his physique and providing for his family.
A professional cricket player for Thrissur, Jose wanted to pursue his dream of bodybuilding after reading a book about Schwarzenegger starting his career in bodybuilding before branching out into acting and politics.
Among his accomplishments in North America, Jose placed second in the first Ben Weider Natural IFBB Pro Qualifier and 60th Mr. Universe contest in Montreal while finishing third at the Canadian Natural Nationals in Toronto.
He became the Maritime overall champion in 2017 and won the title at the Naturals Classic this year in Halifax, while also bringing home the best poser award.
He earned silver medals in the senior and novice categories at the recent Atlantic Classic in Moncton and nabbed a bronze medal at this year’s P.E.I. regionals.
Jose’s wife Aswathy, who was also a champion powerlifter in India, said she loves helping her husband achieve his dreams and success in bodybuilding.
Christo and Aswathy said they waited six years to immigrate to Canada, bringing with them their 12-year-old son Kardhik.
Their second son, Arjuna, was born at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown in 2017.
Jose turned down offers from mainland sponsors and sold his own proteins and supplements business, their home, their car and everything they had in Thrissur to live on P.E.I.
“We chose P.E.I. because it is a good place to raise children. It is safe here,” he said.
“And the government here does a good job of promoting sports for youth. I wish they would promote bodybuilding more, but the sports they do support keeps children out of trouble.”
Jose said North America was the king for producing some of the best bodybuilders in the world.
Jose said he doesn’t care if he places or medals in the Arnold, he just wants to participate and maybe meet his hero.
After he competes in Ohio, Jose hopes to pursue a career in acting and in the future move to Los Angeles, Calif., where he will go to acting school.
“I really want to follow in Arnold’s footsteps,” said Jose.