AUSTRALIA\u2019S number one athlete on the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation list, Bendigo-based James Hume, is aiming for more individual success as this year rolls on and into 2027.<\/p>\n
A superb year on the bodybuilding front included the first Work Hard Play Hard men\u2019s bodybuilding overall champion and male professional athlete awards.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old is building up for a return to competition in Brisbane on 30 August.<\/p>\n
A goal is to add an Organisation Of Competition Bodies pro card to his list.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the one pro card I do not have,\u201d Hume said.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just on-stage performances where Hume has succeeded this year.<\/p>\n
He has earnt an International Natural Bodybuilding Association coaches award in what is his third year of coaching for bodybuilding poses.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was a big change to branding earlier in the year,\u201d Hume said of his business venture through Stoic Posing Society.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Hume\u2019s partner Alexandra Duck has played a crucial role in raising Stoic\u2019s client base and profile.<\/p>\n \u201cAlexandra rebranded Stoic, runs the daily operations and is an incredible support to me,\u201d Hume said.<\/p>\n Stoic has four coaches based along the east coast and more than 60 clients.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also been a career change where Hume has crossed from working in the banking sector to now be with McGrath Real Estate.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s so much to learn, but I have great support,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a hectic time for Hume, who trains six days a week, splitting between cardio sessions which may involve running or cross-fit, and then weights later in the day.<\/p>\n It was not just bodybuilding where Hume stepped up for challenges as his year included cross-fit competitions with Duck, and he also ran a marathon.<\/p>\n A Bendigo Sports Star of the Year finalist in 2024 and 2025, Hume continues to inspire and help others close to home at Silverback Gym, but also across the country and around the world.<\/p>\n His client list for Stoic covers a wide range of ages and competition experience.<\/p>\n \u201cPlaying a part in helping others prepare to compete and achieve success, no matter the result or sport, is incredibly fulfilling,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/08\/hume8_06264.jpg\")