Viral Teesside scholar dubbed UK’s youngest bodybuilder

George Holland, 14, originally from Yarm but now living in Ingleby Barwick, is a rising name in the world of youth fitness and is even sponsored by global fitness brand Gym Shark.

Known online as George Lifts, he’s racked up nearly 150,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube by sharing his training routines, motivation and progress.

One of the UK’s youngest bodybuilders George Holland from Yarm (Image: GEORGE HOLLAND) George said what began as a casual interest quickly grew into a serious passion. After watching Love Island a few years ago, George decided he wanted to build a physique like the contestants.

He started hitting gyms and posting videos just for fun. But his dedication and personality quickly caught attention.

Now, he’s sponsored by Gym Shark and is one of the youngest athletes the brand has ever worked with.

George after his first ever competition (Image: GEORGE HOLLAND) Each month, he receives new gear from the company and shares his official discount code, GEORGE10, with his growing fanbase.

His journey hasn’t been without challenges though. With age restrictions at many gyms, his parents joined him to supervise his training.

His dad even started working out too, keen to spend time together as George’s routine often kept him out from school until late.

George after his first ever competition (Image: GEORGE HOLLAND) Behind the online success is a focused and hardworking teen with George at school during the day and then hitting the gym on the evenings.

At just 14, George has already competed in his first bodybuilding competition and was hitting unofficial lifting records at 12 and 13.

George after his first ever competition (Image: GEORGE HOLLAND) He won the NABBA North Britain Teen Bodybuilding competition and is now looking to the future.

He walks to school every day and is preparing for his GCSEs in two years.

His family say they are incredibly proud of what he’s achieved with George saying the turning point for him came when Gym Shark first reached out.

He said: “I never expected anything like this to happen, it was just something for myself and a bit of fun. 

“When Gym Shark got in touch, I couldn’t believe it.”