Natural bodybuilding World Championships: Hongkonger medallist aims to dispel myths about Asians
- Marvin Fok says he overcame self-doubt to claim second place at the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation’s championships
- He is hoping to break stereotypes about Asian bodybuilders and their ability to compete with rivals of European or African descent
Hong Kong natural bodybuilder Marvin Fok says he hopes to dispel myths that Asians cannot compete with rivals of European and African descent after his second place at October’s World Championships.
“It’s just a social norm to me,” said Fok, who took silver in the lightweight class in Los Angeles. “If you never try, you never know. I’m 39, so I’m giving hope to young people in Hong Kong and Chinese people, saying we can do it if we invest enough time, train smart and stay injury-free.”
Natural bodybuilding means athletes do not take performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids, which are allowed in other bodybuilding competitions.
Bodybuilding is judged on several criteria such as overall aesthetic, X frame (broad shoulders and broad thighs with a small waist), conditioning (lean, defined muscles), stage presence and eight mandatory poses.
The World Natural Bodybuilding Federation’s championships is one of the most prestigious competitions.
