\n<\/p>\n
\n Darren Fulton, 31, from Workington\u00a0works as a personal trainer and door supervisor – as well as training as a bodybuilder for the past 11 years.\n<\/p>\n
\n Following a competition in Alicante, Spain on June 7, the trainer who works out of Intrim in Workington, has been awarded his IFBB professional card, which now means he is one stop closer to competing at the ‘Mr Olympia’ competition held in Las Vegas, and previously won by the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger.\n<\/p>\n
\n “For most bodybuilders it’s the goal. It’s the pinnacle of the sport to get that card, because it is the ticket get to the Mr Olympia, ” said Darren.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Within a couple of years it is definitely possible (qualifying for Mr Olympia). It doesn’t even seem real, it hasn’t sunk in that I am actually a professional at that level, especially just being from Workington and that I could have a chance to be on that stage within a couple of years.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Darren said ‘half of Workington’ has been backing him, with many people showing support for the bodybuilder, who says he believes he is one of only a few from the town who have ever achieved the professional status within the sport.\n<\/p>\n
\n Speaking about the event in Alicante, he said: “It’s next level, the competition is that much more fierce because there are people from all over the world. It just is next level, the standard overall is better.”\n<\/p>\n
\n The father of three goals will now go and compete in his first competition, however has not decided where yet with events held all over the world.\n<\/p>\n
\n “I’m looking at doing my first professional show in the near future. My long goal is to step foot on the 2\/12 Mr Olympia stage. They (the shows) are all around the world, it could be anywhere from Spain to Portugal, Romania, Austria\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n