Fast forward to how this last prep and competition was different and what it meant to me . February of 2022 , I required further back surgery to free an area of my spinal cord and peripheral nerves that were being impinged upon creating numbness and muscle atrophy in my legs . The surgery was very successful and the rebuild began . I then learned I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve ( just like Arnold ). Being faulty from the start , these valves have a tendency to harden and narrow .
1999 - 2001
This past February ( 2023 ), it finally became time that I required a heart valve replacement . I chose a Ross procedure which requires open heart surgery and some major restructuring of the heart , but does leave you with all human parts , the best results for active individuals , and the best long term outcome . The desire to once again rebuild my health , physically and mentally , was once again put in the hands of the gym . I received incredible support from my amazing wife and my bodybuilding family . Just getting into the gym to lift the 5lbs I was allowed in the beginning gave me new life . I progressed quickly , I believe because of all the years of dedicated training and that desire to once again compete on the bodybuilding stage . This contest isn ’ t so much about putting my very best physical self on the stage , but to overcome the mental barrier and fear of never being good enough , healthy enough or strong enough to compete in the sport that has served as my motivation to get up each day and make the most of everything I do have .
2015 - 2017
2019 - 2020
2023