Man with Down Syndrome All Set for Bodybuilding Competition
On Saturday, Collin Clarke will be making his debut in the professional world of bodybuilding as he joins his first bodybuilding competition.
What makes the 22-year-old athlete special is his perseverance to achieve beyond what other people can as he continues to transform into a better bodybuilder. Clarke has Down syndrome and has some difficulty speaking, but through the blurred speech, he told NBC affiliate 14 News that it has always been his dream as a kid to be one of the fit and healthy men standing in front of people, showing off years of exercise and practice.
He said he has been watching his friend Glenn Ubelhor, who is a trainer at the gym where he works as a front desk clerk at Bob's Gym in Evansville, Indiana. Ubelhor has not only become a mentor to him but has also become his very good friend and inspiration as he worked his way into professional bodybuilding.
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"The reason why bodybuilding is my passion is because I watch Glenn. I watch bodybuilders all around the world and it inspires me to work harder and train harder," he said.
Each time Ubelhor left the training room, Clarke would follow and imitate every move that the professional made. He dreamed of one day becoming just like Ubelhor, and when the latter discovered Clarke's passion, he helped him train.
Over a year later, Clarke lost 60 pounds, a huge fall from his weight of over 200 pounds before he started to build his body. He is now preparing to enter his first competition where he will be performing on stage to the tune of AC/DC's "Back in Black."
Ubelhor believes that his friend is all set for the big day, and win or lose, what's important is Clarke gets to see his dream turn into a reality. "To see it all come together and see it up on the stage, living his dream, being in that moment...how many of us get to live our dream? That's going to happen for Collin," he said.
Armed with the support of his family, friends, and self-esteem, Clarke delivered a strong piece of advice to people like him who are dreaming of something big: "...never give up, never quit. Try harder, push harder, and just give it your all."
