Some people use sports as a way out and as for Baszil Cleary, after going through a lot of depression, has a change of heart.
He used bodybuilding to forget all that was in his mind and start to venture into a new journey.
Bodybuilding has moulded him to be confident. Cleary was the youngest bodybuilder at the 2022 Mr and Mrs Fiji Bodybuilding championship.
The 17-year-old is an Irish descendant and has maternal links to Savusavu.
He said he had a change of heart when he saw himself gaining weight.
“I was going through a lot of depression, I had a lot on my mind that triggered in me gaining weight so I decided to stop whatever I was doing and focus on my body and health,” he said.
“October last year was the first time I entered the gym so I started working out and one thing led to another and that is how I joined the sport of bodybuilding.
“I never regret joining bodybuilding because it has helped me a lot.
“I’ve seen young people right now taking drugs and alcohol that is very damaging to the body and also people are dying young, we’ve got a long way to go and I want to enjoy my life with my family. “Bodybuilding has helped me control what I eat and what I drink.
It has taught me to be confident and learn to say no to things, especially peer pressure.”
He said he was grateful to his family for their support.
“To be honest at first when I started, it wasn’t going well because of all the complications I was in but, as they saw me improve on my weight, my life and my attitude they helped and have been a source of my strength.”
Cleary won the most promising athlete and came in third place in the men’s physique.
Roneel Nand scooped the first award while Israel Setefano came in second.
