To get to the O stage, what’s more important: hard work or natural talent?
ANSWER
It’s a double-edged sword. I know guys who are the hardest workers in the world, but they don’t have the genetics to make a go of it in bodybuilding. You’ve got to work hard, because natural talent will take you only so far. But I think genetics plays a huge role, and a person might not ultimately succeed without genetics on his or her side. What I can say for sure is that the combination of the two is lethal.
QUESTION
Typical lunch?
ANSWER
Chicken and quinoa.
QUESTION
Do you see yourself as the Ronnie Coleman of the 212 division?
ANSWER
I’m relatively young, got a few years left, and there’s currently no thought of leaving. But I’m not a guy who goes around saying he is planning on winning seven or eight titles. I want to walk out when I’m still on top.
QUESTION
How do you manage stress?
ANSWER
I’ve got a good mindset going into a contest—it’s another chance to get onstage and challenge myself. In the past two years, which have been stressful with all that’s going on, I started pursuing strategies to ease the effects of stress on my body; because stress really does have physical effects on the body. I started doing acupuncture. I was a skeptic—I walked in thinking it wouldn’t be helpful; but then, when I walked out, I felt rejuvenated, maybe even a little euphoric. So I do that, and other things, too, like deep-tissue massage. And I surround myself with good people.
Watch the entire Olympia competition on a double-DVD set available through www.IFBBTV.com.
