Veteran-Mark Smith
I served 10 years with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, but whilst overseas in 2011, I was shot several times, resulting in the loss of my right leg and part of my right shoulder.
I was subsequently medically discharged in 2013, this was after 10 weeks in Hospital, over 20 operations and being resuscitated six times! Due to being nil by mouth fairly often, I lost over 20kg during my time in Hospital and after seeing myself deteriorate every day that I looked in the mirror, I vowed I’d never look that ill again.
Myself on stage
Fast forward to the present day and I kept my promise to myself-Since November 2014 I have been competing as a Disability Bodybuilder and it has been amazing so far. I won my first competition last November, then received an invite to compete in America, which I took up and in March, competed and won in Texas and best of all, I was invited back on stage to pose with current 4 times Mr Olympia, Phil Heath! Since returning, I have competed in an able bodied Novice class, where I took Best up and coming bodybuilder and now have 3 competitions in the next 3 weekends.
When I left the Forces, I went through what most lads go through-Missing being a Squaddie, but being stubborn, I stuck it out and getting involved in this sport has been my own anti-depressant.
Phil Heath and I
I have appeared on various radio stations, national newspapers, TV documentaries and been signed to a management company, as well as becoming a sponsored athlete and I’ve even been invited to be involved in this years Body Power Expo at the NEC. The interest in myself and the potential have been overwhelming and I’m keen to share this with other veterans who have been injured, who perhaps aren’t aware that there is a Disability Bodybuilding class. I’m convinced it’s the perfect transition for Squaddies-The routine, discipline and physical nature mean the strengths of coming from a military background make it feel similar, which I think has helped me overcome missing being a Soldier.
I have my own bodybuilding page and I’d be more than happy to talk with any lads interested in finding out more. It would be a very proud moment to step on stage with a veteran that I have inspired to become a bodybuilder.
For more information you can visit
https://www.facebook.com/MarksmithBB
SERFCA 