The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Perth bodybuilder Dane crowned UK champion at contest
Day almost ended in disaster after former rugby player tore a muscle in his leg
A Perth bodybuilder has been crowned one of the UK’s best at a national competition.
Dane McGregor, 29, was named top of his category at the Physical Culture Association (PCA) UK competition in Hull earlier this week.
The bodybuilder, who took up the sport after a serious knee injury forced him into an early retirement from amateur rugby, beat off strong competition at the finals at Hull University in the muscle model class.
Dane, who trains at the Body Academy gym on South William Street, said he was delighted with his win.
His day almost ended in disaster after he tore a muscle in his leg. However, he soldiered on through the pain and was able to come out on top.
He said: “I have been bodybuilding for about five years now, but last weekend’s competition was the first time I had competed in the muscle model category.
“I got into bodybuilding after I damaged my knee playing rugby. There were around 160 competitors from across the UK at the show in Hull.
“As preparation, I have a strict diet of sweet potato and chicken to eat and train four times a week in the gym. I’m not allowed any variation on the diet, which means definitely no cheat meals.
“Training really is the best part about bodybuilding. I am not a huge fan of the competition itself, but it teaches you so much about self discipline and helps improve your work ethic.
“I would really like to thank my coaches, Guy Adison and Vicky McCann for their support and help in preparing for the UK competition.
“I’m next competing for a classic competition, with the national qualifiers taking place shortly.”
Muscle model class bodybuilding competitions see competitors judged on muscular appearance, symmetry, balance and body proportion.
The athletes are also judged on how well-tanned they appear on the day, their on-stage etiquette, hair style and general appearance.
I have a strict diet of sweet potato and chicken to eat and train four times a week in the gym DANE MCGREGOR