Devon man wins gold for the UK at the Natural Version of Mr Universe

Ed Akay’s first ever season as a competitive bodybuilder has brought him success beyond his own belief, winning a World Silver Medal in June, capturing the Inaugural UK International Para Bodybuilding Championship and then winning Gold For the UK at the INBA Natural Universe in Hungary in the Para division (The Natural Bodybuilding worlds version of Mr Universe). Not one to shy away from testing himself Ed, who is partially paralysed in his left foot competes as a both a “para” and “able bodied athlete” something that is incredibility rare.

Ed feels very blessed in defying the odds to inspire other people who were perhaps written off to achieve success and feels gifted to have a wonderful support network in his wife Helen who acts as his manager, his trainer Matthew White of MW Strength & Performance and UKDFBA (UK Drug Free Bodybuilding Association) a truly visionary organisation who are fantastic in supporting and producing elite level athletes.

Matthew White (CEO of MW Strength & Performance), Ed’s Trainer Says: “Sometimes in life as in sport we run into destiny. This as humbly happened times over in Ed’s story and it has been my pleasure and honour to mentor and train the lad to this level. A proud & grounding moment in my life.”

Chris Honor (CEO of Honor Athletic), Ed’s Clothing Sponsor Says: “To think that this is Ed's first year in bodybuilding is just proof that when you set your mind to something that you want to achieve, then there are no excuses why you can't achieve it.

With the support of Matt White’s coaching programme and having the right people around him, Ed has managed to do the unthinkable as a first timer. Honor Athletic are extremely proud of what Ed and Matt have achieved together proving that by having focus and knowing your why will get you to the levels you deserve to be at.”

Photo credits: Dunavolgyi Media Team.