“It was the defining moment of my life. A lot of people said I wouldn’t be able to do it. That was very challenging. They said it was too late for me. But I showed them that age is not a factor. To make it after a 10-year lay-off was very special,” said Strydom, who became the first member of Ahmedabad-based, soon-to-be-launched lifestyle centre, Wellocity.

But was it tough? “Oh no. I never had any doubt. I knew I could do it,” the 48-year old said.

It was training for rugby in Durban that spurt his interest in bodybuilding. “I needed to work out for rugby. And that stimulated my interest for it,” said

And by 21, he left South Africa for Los Angeles to become a pro. “I left South Africa to get a more professional environment. Durban has scopes but nothing compared to America. Being in South Africa would have been like being in India,” said the American IFBB professional bodybuilder, who was the first person to win a Championship title under Vince McMahon’s World Bodybuilding Federation.

So how does he view the current scenario in India? “There is a lot of scope. Sooner or later people have to change their lifestyle. For a healthy lifestyle, one needs to exercise. So it will catch up here also. In fact, exercise is the basic of all sports. One has to be fit to excel in any game,” said Strydom.

His 22 inch bicep and 61 inch chest are a result of years of hardwork. “It’s not by accident. I have designed it. Planned it muscle by muscle,” said Strydom.

So what is the key to have a healthy body? “Eat healthy, drink water, exercise and sleep well. I follow this religiously. I don’t know to live any other way,” he said.

He shot to fame in 1984 when he became USA champion. Two years later, NPC champion. And in 1988, he became fifth in Mr Olympia. Many more laurels followed.

So how does he prepare before a competition? “I do a lot of mental training. I meditate, think about my movements, I rest and eat properly, also stretch properly,” he said.