Martin goes against mainstream

Martin+goes+against+mainstream

Bodybuilding isn’t generally a sport that generates much attention in high school, but senior Vince Martin proves otherwise.

“Personally I believe bodybuilding is a sport and an art and that that is what makes it so amazing that you get that very unique combination,” says Martin.

Martin started lifting two years ago when his father got him interested in the sport.

“I didn’t really like team sports and found the structure and individualism of bodybuilding perfect for me,” says Martin.

Martin originally started lifting in his basement with his own equipment and later joined the Arena Club where he currently works out almost every day of the week. On April 11, 2015, Martin made his debut in his first bodybuilding competition at Parkville High School. Entered in the teen division, Martin won first place in the USBF Baltimore Natural competition.

“What you go through first is a prejudging which is actually the most important, because it’s where the judges will make most of their decisions,” says Martin.

Martin decided to compete because it gave him something to work towards and solidified his commitment to the sport.

“Next you have to do all compulsory poses, then later that day they have the finals where you go out again and you have to make up your own posing routine to a song,” says Martin.

The competition takes several hours throughout the entire day and can be very nerve racking.

“I was nervous, just like every other athlete I got my sort of pre-game jitters but that soon passed after I stepped on stage,” says Martin.

Senior Cameron Nystrom also attended the competition to support Martin along with his mother, father, and sister who also competed in the women’s division.

“Vince is the kind of guy that will set a goal and not stop until he is satisfied, he did awesome and I hope to be competing with him in October,” says Nystrom.

With such a great experience with his first competition, Martin plans on competing again on a collegiate level in October of 2015.