Uppingham gym instructor wins Mr Universe title in Mexico for bodybuilding
A 23-year-old from Uppingham, Samuel Astill, has won the Mr Universe title in Mexico for bodybuilding.
The competition, which was held on Sunday, November 10, in Acapulco, judged the contestants on an aesthetically pleasing and proportioned physique, showing off developed muscles and low body fat.
Mr Universe 2019 had 150 competitors who had qualified from around the world.
Samuel has been weight training for seven years and competitively bodybuilding for five years.
He said: "Ever since I was introduced to the gym from the age of 16 I was hooked.
"I took an interest in bodybuilding after watching the Pumping Iron documentary shown to me by my best friend.
"After two years of weight training, at the age of 18 I decided to enter my first bodybuilding competition."
He added: "Bodybuilding is still misunderstood by many and I don’t feel like gets as much exposure as it should, I’d like people to learn more and understand what we do on a day-in-day out basis as it’s much more than lifting weights and eating protein like most people think.
"I believe it is a sport, science, discipline and art all combined into one which is why I love it."
Samuel has also recently competed in the Battle of Bedford and Rhinos classic bodybuilding shows where he won his category.
To maintain his physique, he trains six times a week all year round, spends eighteen weeks preparing for competitions and eats about six high protein meals per day.
Nina Astill, Samuel's mother, said: "I feel very proud of him.
"I've lived through it with him seeing how hard he has to train."
She added: "He is so focused, I really admire him."
Following the competition Samuel was awarded a Wabba mens pro card which will allow him to compete at a professional level and earn cash prizes.
To read about a strong competition at Rhino's gym, click here.
