Chris McKellar, 36, won the WFF European Championships pro men’s bodybuilding class and overall men’s pro titles on Saturday, June 7.
It is the latest step on a journey that started back in 2016 when he first got into competing.
Chris said: “I was originally really into judo but, around the age of 19 or 20, I didn’t quite meet the standard to pass the medical so I ended up going to the gym and started lifting weights, and I just fell in love with it.
“I’ve picked up roughly 20 trophies and 10 first-place finishes so far but this was my first pro championship.”
An employee at Sinkfall Skip Hire and Recycling in Barrow, Chris is managing to juggle full-time work with his growing success on the stage.
“I’m very fortunate because they’re very lenient at work, giving me the flexibility and time to eat all my meals and ensure I’ve got time to train,” he explained.
“Because bodybuilding is not just a hobby now for me, it’s a profession.”
What made the occasion extra special for Chris was sharing the success with partner Caroline Howard, who earned a third place finish in her own category.
The pair run Team CC Coaching together, which sponsored one of the competitions and acts as an online tool shaping the next influx of athletes.
WFF UK President Kelley Szostak praised Chris’ achievements and believes that he has every capability of becoming the best bodybuilder produced in Barrow, a sentiment that was echoed by the man himself.
He added: “I truly believe I’m the best in Barrow now that I’ve got that pro status – before I was almost putting half the effort in but now it feels like it’s all on me.
“In terms of what’s next, we’ve got the British Grand Prix and then we’ll be in Germany, and we’re really hoping that the coaching properly takes off, since we’re already doing well in terms of the people getting involved.”
Ms Szostak described Chris’ victory as ‘nothing short of phenomenal’, outlining how he is setting the standard in ‘extraordinary discipline, sacrifice and resilience’.
She commented: “What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the professionalism and humility Chris brings – he is not only an exceptional bodybuilder but also an outstanding ambassador for bodybuilding.
“To see one of our British professional athletes stand on the international stage and achieve such a prestigious victory is a fantastic moment for the WFF UK and for British bodybuilding as a whole.
“Chris thoroughly deserved this title, and I have no doubt that this professional European Championship victory is just the first of many in what is set to be an extraordinary professional bodybuilding career.”
