This weekend my son Rhett competed in his first bodybuilding competition. It was a SNBF event held in Gainsville, Georgia.
Per their website ...
The Supernatural Bodybuilding and Fitness Organization (S.N.B.F) was founded in 1996 and is a 100% Drug Free Organization. It was primarily organized to help individuals and/or businesses to focus on healthy lifestyle programs, physical fitness activities, personal empowerment sessions, and spiritual coaching provided through Workshops, Seminars and Competitions. As Drug Free Athletes, we believe the Natural athlete should have a fair place to compete and we have been Blessed to be able to provide this avenue for these athletes. All judges have a background in the fitness industry ranging from natural bodybuilders, doctors (chiropractic and medical), fitness competitors, aerobic instructors, personal trainers, and a variety of ex-professional athletes and many more.
Rhett won the LW Novice, Novice Overall, Men's Open Short Division and battled hard in the Overall finals. Not bad for a first time out and according to him his "only show."
He has worked hard to get himself ready for this show but it did not just start a few months ago. It started many years ago when he was a young kid. Rhett posses something that is rare and special in this day and age. He has the discipline, work ethic and desire that most neither have or strive for in our society. As an athlete all his life he has always had to work harder than most . But the desire to always do his best has been in him from the time he was a small child. From the first time he strapped on the catchers gear behind the plate as a small six year old to his final football game in high school he always given his best. He was always the little kid that had to work harder than others to excel.
He has worked out from the time he entered high school, but over the last few years he has taken it to the next level. As he has told me many times "working out is not work to me it is part of who I am", he enjoys every minute of the time spent in the gym.
A few months ago he decide he wanted to enter a bodybuilding competition just to say I have been able to do that. Yet, as he does everything else, he poured his heart and soul into the preparation. He also wanted to make sure he was competing in an all natural, 100% drug free event. Not an event that not only allows 'steroids" but basically encourages it by the fact that is what everyone does to compete.
Many kids and teenagers go through a stage of experimenting with drugs and alcohol but that has never an issue with Rhett. He has never needed to be part of the crowd or doing something because "everyone else is doing it" type person. His uncle was killed as a result of drinking and driving , something that had a huge impact on Rhett as a young child. Rhett has told me numerous times I will never put myself in that circumstance and he hasn't. He has told me in particular over the last few years, "I will not put anything into my body that is unhealthy, unsafe or illegal." He amazes me everyday with his character and integrity.
He has prepared over the last several months while working full time. going to school full time and still maintaining a 3.96 GPA.
Thank you to all the family and friends who came out and supported him on his special day He really appreciated everyone being there. I am so proud of the remarkable young man that he has become. Not only by what he accomplished this weekend but what he accomplishes everyday. He leads his life with a sense of purpose, goals yet at the same time enjoying life. I could not be prouder to call this young man my son. Am I bragging you bet....love you buddy! Thanks for making me so proud of you! I am blessed.
Intergrity, character and self respect cannot be hunted. It cannot be purchased. It is never for sale. It cannot be fabricated. It comes to us when we are alone, in the quiet moments, in quiet places, when we suddenly realize that, knowing the good, we have done it; knowing the beautiful, we have served it; knowing the truth we have spoken it. We are comfortable in our own skin ~
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