Small is Mighty!
Caleb Mutombo may just be 3ft 7in tall, but he is hoping to take the bodybuilding world by storm. With a rippling six pack and bulging biceps it’s hard to believe Mutombo, 19, weighs just 5st 8lbs.
According to the Daily Mail, the 19-year old South African began lifting and weight training at home when he was only 12, lifting anything he could get his hands on, from everyday household items to bags filled with books.
He began training in a gym when he was 16 and has since competed in local bodybuilding competitions, recently beating competitors twice his height, to scoop third place.
Mutombo says: “I do bodybuilding because I love it. I love to see my body grow. I love to feel full of energy and fit at the same time,”
Born in the Congo, Caleb suffers from an undiagnosed disability which meant he grew at a rate much slower than the average person and stopped growing altogether when he was just 14.
“I wish to inspire people in general to work to stay fit and healthy. I have come to realise that my disability is my ability to inspire.
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Now I train by myself but Ryan Manthe, my former trainer shows me how to pose. He is the owner of Trinergy Health & Fitness where I train.”
Caleb is currently training to become a Personal Trainer while also training himself to one day become a professional bodybuilder.
He spends up to five days a week in the gym and despite sometimes needing assistance to walk, he continues to challenge himself to become stronger and lift more.
He said: “When I started out a lot of people didn’t believe I could do it”
“I faced negativity and prejudice. But I’m very proud of everything I have achieved so far, getting into bodybuilding is exciting.”
“When I’m on the stage during a competition I focus on the judges and the crowd not the other bodybuilders competing alongside me.”
“I focus on doing my best and not measuring myself against other people’s best.”
“I’m very happy about how far I’ve come and I’m looking forward to one day becoming a professional bodybuilder.” says Mutombo!