Christchurch bodybuilder Jonathan Griffiths has overcome years of debilitating health problems to become the IBFA Mr Universe Mixed Disability champion and the first athlete to earn professional status in the category while following a strict carnivore diet.
The 31-year-old, who lives in Fairmile, Christchurch, enjoyed a remarkable 2026 season by claiming the world title before narrowly missing out on victory in the Classic Physique class against able-bodied competitors, finishing second.
Griffiths, who grew up in the New Milton and Highcliffe area before settling in Christchurch, has had a sporting journey that has been anything but straightforward. A serious spinal injury suffered during an international school rugby tour at the age of 13 led to more than a decade without a full diagnosis before unsuccessful spinal fusion surgery in 2022. He now lives with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and autism.
Despite those challenges, he has continued competing against able-bodied athletes, qualifying for national finals across multiple bodybuilding federations before achieving his breakthrough world title success this year.
A graduate of Bath Spa University with a degree in Human Nutrition, Griffiths credits his scientific approach to training and nutrition for allowing him to continue competing at the highest level.
“Living with various disabilities means every single training session, every meal and every recovery protocol is a calculated negotiation with my nervous system,” he said. “The pain and fatigue never fully leave, but the carnivore diet has been the single biggest lever I’ve found for dialling the volume down.
“By removing the inflammatory load of plant foods and focusing on nutrient-dense animal foods, I’ve been able to rebuild muscle, recover faster between sessions and keep competing at a level most people – including me a few years ago – would have said was impossible. It’s not about ‘pushing through’ – it’s about removing the things that make the push unnecessary.”
Away from the stage, Griffiths runs the Carnivore Muscle YouTube channel, where he produces science-based educational content and coaches thousands of people around the world.
“I started the Carnivore Muscle YouTube channel because I was tired of watching people with similar conditions being told to accept decline,” he said. “I wanted to document, in real time and with the science, what happens when you treat nutrition and training as the primary medicine.
“If my story can show even one person that a world title, a pro card, or simply a better quality of life is still on the table, then every video is worth it.”
Griffiths says his focus is now firmly on becoming the first winner of a professional mixed disability bodybuilding title next year. He has also already qualified for this year’s British finals in two separate bodybuilding federations.
“The goal now is simple: become the first winner of a professional mixed-disability bodybuilding title, keep raising the standard for ‘s possible, and keep funding the medical costs that come with these conditions so I can stay in the fight,” he said. “Disability doesn’t get to write the final chapter – I do.”
He is also raising funds to help meet the ongoing medical costs associated with his conditions. For more information or to donate, visit bit.ly/4bClD41
