I’m an Olympian bodybuilder – a chance acquaintance turned me into the champion I am now

A PRO bodybuilder has revealed the chance encounter that turned him into a Mr. Olympia champion.

Brandon Curry, 40, scored the coveted title in 2019 after beginning training with renowned trainer Abdullah Alotaibi in Kuwait.

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After years of training, it’s clear Curry didn’t earn his incredible physique with luck.

However, in an exclusive interview with The US Sun, he shared various ups and downs he’s had throughout his career.

Despite getting off to a strong start as an amateur in the early 2000s, Curry experienced some static points midway through his bodybuilding journey.

“From 2011 to 2016 I was not doing so well. I had life situations and I started a family,” said the smart competitor.

“I wasn’t quite as good at the Olympics. In fact, I was pretty much at the bottom of the totem pole at most shows.”

When the 2016 Mr. Olympia rolled around, Curry wasn’t feeling very confident, but still decided to compete so he could feel inspired by the greatness around him.

During the competition he experienced the most drastic change in his training.

A friend at the show introduced him to Abdullah Alotaibi, a trainer from Kuwait, and the two hit it off immediately.

Alotaibi challenged Curry to train with him in the Middle East for some time. Luckily, the newcomer was supposed to be in the country for a show in a few weeks, so he agreed to meet up.

“So I get there and he has a full game plan for 2016,” Curry said.

“I think, wow, that’s what I needed.

“He followed me. He was a fan of my body for a while and he had dreams of working with me, so it just worked out.”

Curry then made the difficult decision to spend an 11-week stint on the other side of the world from his family to focus on his training.

The following year he finished sixth. As 2019 rolled around, he felt no challenge stepping into Mr. Olympia.

LEGENDARY FIGURE

When he faced the competition in 2019, Curry said he was waiting to be challenged.

“It’s like I had this expectation of winning and actually getting a title,” he told The US Sun.

“It was just so close.”

He described a behind-the-scenes scene where competitors can interact with the media and witness who gets the most attention.

It was clear that Curry was the one to beat.

“This is the moment,” he said, reflecting on his victory.

“It finally happened.

“Despite all the adversity and ups and downs I’ve been through, we’ve finally reached the top.”

STRONG BEGINNINGS

Before becoming The Prodigy, Curry was a collegiate athlete at Middle Tennessee State University.

The Nashville native played on the school’s football team while pursuing an exercise science degree.

After college, he found a local gym in Murfreesboro, where a trainer approached him about participating in a beginner’s show.

From carrying a speedometer in front of a massive audience to striking odd poses, Curry had every right to be apprehensive, but he eventually agreed to try it.

The friend put him on a strict diet and fitness regime and trained him hard for several weeks before the showdown happened.

The rookie entered the stage with no experience and was shocked to claim victory.

Back in 2003, bodybuilding was just a budding hobby, but that was about to change very soon.

“I was hooked,” he told The US Sun.

“I went to the national level show in Atlanta and ended up coming in second place.”

All greatness comes to an end, but Curry said he has no intention of stopping – for now.

“I know I’m almost before the time to hang it up,” he said.

“I probably don’t want to compete past 45, but right now my body is still responsive. I was able to come to this stage here bigger and better than ever.

“It’s just that I’m hungry enough to keep pursuing it.

“Right now, I still am. I still challenge myself. I’m still having fun.”

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