Angus Gray, 20, of North Berwick, took top spot in the junior category at the National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association (NABBA) Scotland bodybuilding competition.
He achieved this feat just six days after placing fourth at the Physical Culture Association (PCA) Scottish Championships in Perth and while grieving the loss of his grandmother, Janet Leigh, who died aged 81 in the week between competitions.
Angus said: “I think a lot of people tend to take their foot off the gas pedal and take life less seriously but I had to keep on pushing.
“She had more belief in me than anyone I know so instead of letting myself go I had to work even harder for her.
“Now is a time to celebrate her great life.”
The two competitions marked Angus’ first steps onto the bodybuilding stage.
Despite feeling he “wasn’t 100 per cent”, he placed fourth out of nine competitors at the PCA Scottish Championships.
He delivered a confident performance at the NABBA Scotland competition in Glenrothes on April 11, claiming gold in the junior category for athletes aged up to 23.
Following his win, a member of the judging panel encouraged him to enter the men’s classic division – a category that rewards aesthetics and symmetry over sheer muscle size.
Despite stepping up against seasoned competitors, the 20-year-old he impressed judges with his condition and poise and earned a second place.
Angus said: “You feel nervous ahead of going on, and bodybuilders have this stereotype of being scary but actually I have found they are the kindest, humblest people you could ever meet.
“They all had their first day in the gym once too and I think they are so understanding to everyone in and out the gym.”
Bodybuilding has become both a passion and a path to recovery after experiencing struggles with his mental health and drug addiction in his late teens.
He said: “At 17 years old I lost my girlfriend which sent me into a spiral downwards, into a hole I didn’t know would end.
“I was bullied online, people were picking at my appearance and making up rumours about my girlfriend’s death.
“I really lost myself and did not know if I would see another day.”
After an overdose, Angus began working towards recovery at the age of 18 by going to the gym.
He said: “One day I was looking in the mirror and saw I had lost weight.
“People were saying I looked unwell and I thought I had to change or else I wouldn’t be here.”
Six months later he hired a coach and set his sights on bodybuilding.
Angus attended North Berwick High School but left school at 16 and now works as an online body transformation coach, helping other people achieve their goals.
He competes as a ‘natural bodybuilder’, which means he does not use performance-enhancing drugs, adding: “That’s just glorifying drug addiction and I can’t add to that.”
His parents, Ian and Susan Gray, said they “could not be more proud of his successes” and they hope he can provide support to others who may be struggling in the same way he once was.
Ian said: “ Angus has shown a simply inspiring level of commitment and discipline in recent years.
“His journey has been made even more meaningful based on where Angus has come from personally, turning past personal setbacks and challenges into the fuel and drive that has led to his success.
“As parents seeing your son with a work ethic and dedication that is so strong and focused is genuinely magical and really very rewarding.”
Susan added: “It’s an incredible achievement, I know I’m his mum but it really is a milestone for his future.”
Angus is now working towards earning his pro-card on the bodybuilding circuit.
In a message to others facing difficult times, Angus said: “Suffering and pain will always come our way in life but it is actually a gift in disguise because you learn so much from it and you can take the lesson very far.”
