Dan Smith, 33, from Hampshire moved closer to his goal of becoming a Pro Body Builder when he became the first ever IFBB (International Federation of Body Building and Fitness) wheelchair body building champion at The Juniors and Masters World Amateur Body Building Championships at Bailystok, Poland, 13-16 November 2009.
This was Dan's debut appearance as a competitor since his horrendous accident in 2004, which damaged his spine and put him in a wheelchair. Dan has already impressed judges and fellow body builders alike when participating in guest spots at British body building events this year, but this was his first competitive event.
"What a great start," he says. "I'm just knocked out about winning in Poland. There were bodybuilders there from 45 countries and the competition in the wheelchair class was phenomenal. To come first against those guys is just brilliant."
Ultimately Dan wants to become a Pro body builder and hopes to be able to compete in America next year. Although this will take him onto the US Pro circuit Dan intends to keep the UK as his base and hopefully see a wheelchair class added into UKBFF (UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation) competitions before too long.
"It's been a lot of hard work to get this far," says Dan who has to watch his diet carefully and train in the gym every day to keep in shape. "I take CNP Professional sports supplements to boost my protein intake and keep the calorific balance just right. Being in a wheelchair means you have to be extremely careful when selecting supplements and I find CNP's proteins are easy to digest and don't upset my stomach - which is crucial."
"Dan is an inspiration to all body builders, be they able-bodied or confined to a wheelchair, and shows just what determination and disciplined training can achieve," says Kerry Kayes, founder of CNP and himself a former champion body builder. "It's been fantastic to see Dan edge nearer to his goal and we wish him every success in the future."
Website: http://www.dansmith-uk.com/
Bodybuilding Achievements:
2009 Juniors and Masters World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships (Bailystok, Poland) - 1st
Guest Poser:
2010 UKBFF South Coast Portsmouth
2010 UKBFF Scottish Championships
2010 Welsh Championships
2009 UKBFF South Coast Portsmouth
2009 UKBFF British Championships
| Pictures & Videos of Dan: |
| 2009 Juniors and Masters World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships |
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