Bodybuilding his way to a brighter future

GEORGE TOWN: Bodybuilder Steven Mark James notched two bodybuilding achievements after he was crowned Mr Penang and Mr Malaysia within the space of a week.

The 26-year-old was crowned Mr Penang on May 14 and followed up on his success with being selected as Mr Malaysia on May 21 this year.

theSun spoke to him recently on his successes which the 179cm tall personal trainer attributes to his late father, Sebastian James, 53, a noted boxer who died of a heart attack two years ago.

He said his father was the one who encouraged him to take up the sport when he was 17-years-old.

He said he initially wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father by becoming a boxer was not persuaded otherwise by his mother who was worried about the injuries in the ring.

He said his father had supported him non-stop once he decided to take up bodybuilding seriously.

"He would buy eggs everyday for me to consume to build up by physique, he told me my success in life would come from lifting weights," he said at his home in the Hong Seng Estate here.

Steven said he was devastated when his father passed away two years ago but continued to participate in the sport to honor the memory of his father.

"I have taken his advice and tips to heart and all the supplements which he has recommended I have taken," he said.

"All my supplements that was strictly handled by my dad has since been looked into by me," he added.

Steven meanwhile also credits his growth in the arena to gym owner Tan Ding Huat, 53, who he met after being introduced by one of his friends.

He said Tan was his mentor who helped him mentally and had also sponsored his workouts at the gym as well as supplements.

"I hope to do my best," he said adding his aim was to achieve international recognition in the future.

When met, Tan was nothing but praise for Steven who he described as a patient and dedicated person.

"It is very rare to find such a talented and hardworking person," he added.