North lad, 17, in training to win Mr Universe title
Youngster’s gruelling workout routine
MEET 17-year-old Sunderland man Brad Willis, or should that say Mr Universe.
That’s what Brad hopes we can call him by the end of 2017 as he bids to qualify for the bodybuilding event in October.
Brad started taking part in bodybuilding competitions last year, winning junior Mr County Durham, Mr Britain and Mr World in an incredible debut season.
And this year, he is hoping to qualify for the prestigious Mr Universe – a competition famously won four times by movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger.
To do so, he’ll have to first win Mr Britain again – but that’s something he’s confident he’ll do. To look at pic- Brad before and after Brad Willis and girlfriend Shona in Rome tures of Brad when he was 15 shows the incredible transformation that his body has undergone.
It was at 15 that the Sunderland man first started going to the gym, although initially there were no plans to get involved tions.
“Initially, I went to the gym just to do general training,” Brad says.
“I went to watch a friend in a bodybuilding competition though, and really enjoyed it in these competi- and d th thoughtht it was somethingthi I’d like to do.
“So I thought ‘why not?’, and I gave it a go.”
Brad started his gruelling training regime ready for Mr County Durham last May.
He says he’s in the gym every day anyway but, when in preparation for an event, he is in the gym twice a day at least, completing 45 minutes of hard cardio work every morning before an afternoon session which is more focused on lifting weights. He also eats six solid meals a day to maintain energy.
When in competition he usually weighs around 100kg, which is approximately 15 and a half stone.
The look for competition can be quite shocking though, with Brad admitting that there are people who don’t like it.
He’s faced negativity from some over it but he’s a resolute and determined individual who is enjoying what he does – and being successful at it too, as his honours last year Sunderland bodybuilder prove. “I appreciate it’s not to everybody’s taste,” Brad admits.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I am happy and that’s all that matters.
“I’m happy, healthy and just trying to make something of myself.”
Whether Brad’s physique sees him go on to Hollywood and then become a governor of a USA state remains to be seen but, for now, Brad’s focus is on emulating Mr Schwarzenegger’s bodybuilding accomplishments.
Mr Universe here he comes. With family after winning the 2016 U21 World Championships in Rome