Page 54 - NGA NATURALmag 2023 SPRING / SUMMER Issue

Spring-Summer 2023
Exiting the hospital in in in May I I was was an an emaciated 130 lbs lbs after having lost almost 100 lbs lbs and I I I was was so so weak weak I I I I could could barely barely function The bed rest made me so so weak weak I I I could could barely barely eat or or shower myself and I I I spent 15 hours a a a a a a a a a a a a day sleeping for the many months that fol-
lowed Regardless of my my dire situation I started back to to the gym one day after going to to my my wife’s junior high school where she is a a a a a a a a a a math teacher and began utiliz- ing ing ing a a a a a a a a a a a few machines using the the lightest weight they had with extreme difficulty For many months eating was difficult difficult due to the the 20 inch portions of of small intestine that were removed and the the degree of of bowel damage I I had but I I persevered despite this The process process of re-creation has now been about 3
5 years and and walking is still difficult and and the process process of of regaining pieces of of my old life will likely never be over But I I continue to to work work daily with all the mental capacity I I I I can can muster to to never miss a a a a a a a a a a a a a workout and stay healthy in order that I I I I can can become more than I I I I currently am In truth these past 3
5 years isn’t enough considering how far I I I I was degenerated but but it’s a a a a a a a a a a start I I I I I know it it it it will will never end but but I I I I I try each day Despite it it it all all I I I I I I will will make my return to to the sport I I I I I I love this fall which was a a a a a a a a a a dream I I I I held onto when I I I I suffered from that that hospital bed At that that point it it seemed an an an impossible dream and and still seems surreal and and incred- ibly scary Today I I am am no longer a a a a a a a a a a a a 100-contest veteran with all those wins and titles but I’m just a a a a a a a a guy who
54 NGA NATURALmag
hopes he he he can do do what what he he he loves again and not be a a a a a a a a a horrible shadow of of what what he he he once was I continue to to work towards this goal because that’s all any of of us us can do I am returning and that that has to to be be enough The following is is just a a a few of of some of of my prior accomplishments which serve as a a a a reminder to why I won’t quit:
NGA 1st PRO
2007 8 9 9 (3x- also 4 2nds)
2009 NGA PRO
Universe – 3rd tied 3
3
3
ways
2012 1st Grand Teton
ABFF
2007-9 12 14 (5x) Anchorage PRO
PRO
Champion Champion 2008 9 9 (2x) ABFF
ABFF
PRO
PRO
Champion Champion 2007 2007 ABFF
ABFF
ABFF
Idaho Champion Champion Champion 2007 2007 8 ABFF
ABFF
Vancouver Champion Champion 2014 Overall NPC Open and Masters Champion Champion Show Promotor
2008-2013 promoted the NGA Idaho State
Championships n n Craig Toth
NGa PRO
BB - Masters 40+ 1st Place
NGa PRO
BB - Open 2nd Place
Photo Photo above by: Lacey Oakey (Creating a a a a a a Figure Photography)