Working with disadvantaged youth can have its challenges, but Central Coast resident Mani Olmedo has found Natural Bodybuilding to be the perfect self-care and stress relief hobby.
Olmedo, who has lived on the Coast for the past eight years, has worked with disadvantaged youth for more than 18 years.
He currently works in residential care, supporting young homeless teenagers who identify as high needs and is also a health promotion officer/support worker to NDIS clients who have limitations.
“I have been involved in the sport of Natural Bodybuilding for over 13 years and represent myself as a life time natural bodybuilder,” he said.
“I have competed with natural bodybuilding federations such as ANB (Australian Natural Bodybuilding), INBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association) and, more recently, ICN (IcompeteNatural).
“My trainer, friend and coach Sasho Ognenovski is both an international and national natural champion and well respected and recognised here in Australia.
“He supports me with diet, posing, training and contest preparation.”
In 2017, Olmedo won the ICN Northcoast Newcastle Classic Men’s Masters over 40 years title, then the following year he won the same division with the ANB, first for the South Coast and then at the state championships.
“I also won the Men’s Open under 65kg weight class division, so I currently hold two NSW titles,” he said.
With his next goal competing in the Australian Natural Bodybuilding competition, Olmedo placed third at the national titles with the ICN federation in the Men’s Open division aged over 40.
Most recently, Olmedo took third place in the same nationals division this month.
“I would like to continue to represent the Central Coast and its elite athletes and be a positive role model to our youth,” he said.
“I am a strong advocate for natural healthy living and I always encourage and promote natural drug free sport.
“My achievements are proof that hard work, persistence and dedication is the only key to success and there are no shortcuts in life.
“I am fortunate in my role as a social worker (that I can) educate on the harms of using drugs and steroids, nutrition, health and wellbeing.”
Olmedo said he hoped his story would empower youth and help them to make good choices.
Source:
Manuel Olmedo