Denver Chandy, adored by his family, friends and fitness enthusiasts as ‘The Big D,’ came home with a big smile after the win.
He now awaits the National Amateur Body Building Association (NABBA) National Championship matches, hoping to begin a new chapter of achievements like his father has done.
Editor’s Note: Three years ago, his father Jeffery Chandy took a sledgehammer brought down on him by a young man at a demonstration of strength and endurance in Sylvia Park Auckland, smashing into the Guinness Book of World Records (Indian Newslink, December 1, 2009).
As Denver registered his name at the Junior Men’s category at the NABBA Auckland & Asia-Pacific Championships, his supporters arrived with their expertise and motivation to keep him going.
After many gruelling months of sacrifice, diet, and intense training sessions, he stood on that stage “with the muscular mass and definition, way beyond his 22 years” (gofigure.co.nz).
His hard work paid off, qualifying him for the NABBA New Zealand National Championships in October 2012. He will also be competing at an international match overseas at the end of this year.
Denver began his training under his father in their native Chennai (India) when he was just four years old. The training included martial arts and swimming that took him to State level matches.
Disciplined swimmer
As a disciplined swimmer, he won many state titles. This was the foundation upon which Denver is now able to achieve his physical goals.
Denver knew that his ambition in physical fitness would become a reality when he walked into a gymnasium as a 16-year-old enthusiast.
The tough lifestyle, with its many sacrifices and hard yards, is not for everyone, but it was a great motivator for the young man. His determination to be the best was evident at the recent competition.
After a well-deserved week off from the gymnasium, Denver is back to his (what others may consider insane) training and strict diet, preparing for the ensuing National matches.
His future goals are to have his own gymnasium and make it to the Olympic Games as a contestant.
Denver’s motto of “Go hard or Go home” is what motivates and drives him towards achieving these goals.
He expects the same from all the clients he trains at ‘Tony Martins’ in Mt Roskill, with the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their best, both physically and mentally.
You may not want to make bodybuilding your career but you may want to shed those extra kilos, be trim and physically fit.
Natasha Jethender is a postgraduate student in Anthropology at the University of Auckland and a friend of the Chandy family.
Denver would be grateful to companies and individuals who could sponsor for this international debut. He can be contacted on 021-1562331.
Email: dcmuscleandfitness@yahoo.com
