Interview With Anton Mandeville
Competitor of the Month - October 2010
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
Photos by: BBPics.com
Meet 17 year old teen bodybuilder, Anton Mandeville, sponsored by Max Muscle! He had struggles at a very early age, because at age three, he was adopted from Sofia, Bulgaria and moved to Kirkland, Washington; where he has resided since. That must have been devastating for a young child.
At age 5, he enrolled in Tae Kwon Do. He was very agile and quick for his age and had lots of energy, so this was a good sport to join. Just three years later, he got an invitation to the 2001 Jr. Olympics for the USA Tae Kwon Do Team. He represented Washington.
After that great accomplishment, he continued to compete. At 15, the end of his Tae Kwon Do career, he had earned 6 Gold medals, 4 Silver metals, and 2 Bronze metals. He also received his Black Belt and earned his way up to a 2nd degree. Now remember, he's currently only 17 years old!
He also played ball sports from ages 5 to 15; including baseball, football, soccer, and basketball. It was around age 15-1/2 that he decided to get in to bodybuilding. He had already built a strong frame from all the sports, so he felt he would do well. He is very driven and disciplined in anything he puts his mind to.
How can you not be impressed? At the young age of 17, he has more accomplishments than most of us as adults!
"...He said, "It's never too late to start and the younger you are, that just makes it that much better. So, give it shot. There is nothing to lose."
WP: I cannot begin to express how impressed I am with you. Your story is by far one of the most jaw-dropping stories I have heard from someone so young! I must applaud you for having such a great head on your shoulders and knowing what you want in life. I just barely skimmed the surface on your accomplishments in the intro. During this interview, we will bring out so much more about you. Let’s begin talking about bodybuilding. What was it that made want to go into bodybuilding?
Thank you, Ms. Tammy. I was, without a doubt, always fascinated by the physique and what it can be capable of doing. I knew I had good genetics to build muscle and that I was already very symmetrical and balanced. I wanted to take advantage of what I already had and take it to the next level. So, at age of 15-1/2, I gave myself 6 months to train hard for my first show; which was the All Natural Classic in 2009 in Vancouver, Washington. I did well and every since then, I’ve loved the sport.
WP: You said that you did well in the competition. What competitions have you appeared in and what place did you win?
I have now done 3 competitions. My first show was the Vancouver, All Natural Classic on March 28th 2009. I placed 4th out of 5 in the Teen Men Class. My second show was just 6 months later. With much improvement, I placed 3rd at the Washington Iron Man. At this show, I picked up my first sponsor with Max Muscle. They needed a teen bodybuilder to represent them, so I accepted the offer.
My next show was the 2010 Emerald Cup. This was a much bigger show, so I knew I had to put some mass on. I came in a lot bigger but, not as cut at the Ironman but, it gave me the placing I got; which was again 3rd out of 6 contestants. I will now being doing the Night of the Champions September 18th in Spokane, and then 2 weeks after that on October 2nd, I will be competing in the Iron man.
WP: You mentioned coming in with more mass in your last competition. Do you have any advice to teens that wish to build more mass and cutting from what you have learn thus far?
If I would give out any advice to build mass it would be to lift heavy, but at a weight you can still use good form and at least get 8 to 12 reps. But then, that’s not for everyone. You can't always do the same workouts, repetitions, and etc. You need to mix it up. For example, I will do 4 weeks of pyramid setting. Then, after that, I do 4 weeks of 4 sets of 10; keeping the same weight. For a week, I will do negatives. Another week, I will do failure and super setting. So, just keep tricking your body. To get more cut, nutrition and cardio is the key. Find what works for you. But, those are the two main parts of cutting.
WP: Great advice! Tricking the body is the key. Can you give me a sample break down of your diet?
Meal 1:
1 cup of oatmeal with one scoop of protein powder
Half carton egg whites or 6 egg whites, no yolk
Banana & orange, some water and milk
Meal 2:
Chicken salad with protein shake (optional)
Meal 3:
6 to 8 oz. of turkey
Meal 4:
2 Salmon filets
Meal 6:
Chicken or beef with brown rice
Meal 7:
Protein shake
Meal 8:
Whatever mom makes for dinner!
WP: Wow! 8 meals a day! Growing boy! Do you allow yourself a cheat day? If so, what is it that you usually eat when you do?
I actually have one cheat meal a day. But, my cheat meal is very small. It may be just a mini-size snickers bar or a scoop of ice cream. I don't like to go all-out one day because I feel my whole week of good dieting has just gone to waste. I like consistency.
WP: You are a growing young man. I am glad you do allow yourself treats in moderation. What supplements do you take?
If I take any supplements it would just be protein powder.
WP: Could you tell me a story of how you have gotten where you are today?
At age three I came to America. I quickly got involved in athletics. It was my way of taking my mind off the early year struggles I had coming to a completely new environment. With my situation, I could have gone either way. Either I was a person that laid back and sees if things came to me and took care of my problems through drugs, etc.; or find a physical outlet that I enjoyed and that I could become good at to maybe someday have a future in. So, I tried out all sports. Bodybuilding was the one sport I was naturally gifted in so, I decided to take advantage of it and pursue it. Now I'm branching off into more areas; such as fitness modeling. Now, here I am. I know what I want in life and know what it takes to get where you want to be.
WP: You are a very unique teenage! You should think about becoming an advocate to those that are adopted. Maybe talk in schools to help others cope. Do you have anyone you can thank for helping you get where you are?
I could definitely thank the Max Muscle supplement store in Bellevue. We are a team and they have supported me so much, and have taught me so much. Also, I would like to thank Joe France. He was the one I started talking to first about the bodybuilding and modeling. He said, "It’s never too late to start and the younger you are, that just makes it that much better. So, give it shot. There is nothing to lose."
I would like to also thank John Mitchell with bbpics.com for doing my first fitness modeling/bodybuilding shoot. He did an amazing job and really set me up a great portfolio.
WP: What was it like working with John?
John was very welcoming and worked very well with me. He committed all his time with me for the three-day shoot we had together. His patience was outstanding. With all the photographers I have worked with, he has been by far the best. I was very enlightened by his work. He is definitely top of the line. My mom came to watch the shoots and she really liked him and appreciated the work he did.
WP: How did he go over and beyond for you?
Just the time and commitment for the full three days he shot with me was amazing. I didn't expect him to be as dedicated as he was, so he was way past beyond for what I thought. Also, I know that it wasn't just the three days that he worked with me. He took a lot of time finalizing the portfolio and making it to the best to his ability.
WP: Tell me about your modeling. How did you first start?
It started first with Joe France, about him again saying, give it a shot. He said I looked good for my age. So, my first modeling job it actually was through Zebra Club. I'm going to be launched on their new website and advertisement magazine. Also, they gave me a spot on their website for health tips.
Then, not much long after that, I was recognized in the newspaper by the 3D Art Academy. Because I was not yet 18, they wouldn't let me pose for their figure anatomy classes, but now, sense I turn 18 in November; I will be working with them shortly.
Since this got me more into modeling I decided to take some classes on how to be successful in the business, and also how to set up a portfolio. In the class, we figured out what area in modeling I could do best in. It turned out to be fitness modeling. So, that’s when I got in contact with John Mitchell.
He did my first fitness modeling shoot and set me up a great portfolio. It helped me a lot in getting my name out there. A huge thanks to him again.
I hope to continue pursuing modeling on the side throughout the rest of high school and college. About a year ago, I got in to acting. I got a Monologue and Dialogue Coach. My coach said I had a raw talent at it; that he could definitely improved. So, at the end of our sessions, we recorded both my monologue and dialogue. Now, I am promoting them and hope to soon get some work in that field, as well. Fitness modeling and acting are hobbies that I hope to continue.
I am also working towards becoming a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist and maybe hope to someday start a business.
WP: That is amazing! You have some major goals! Joe France was right! You do look great! How do you keep the physique you have? What is the hardest thing for you to face when it comes to keeping your physique?
Thank you! I maintain my body just by eating healthy and staying active. Those are the two main things I worry about. Because of bodybuilding though, my diet does get a little more complex to get the physique I do and the training is more intense than the average person.
Also, to be honest, I have good genetics and have a fast metabolism. I seem to stay cut and make big gains without going in to what they call, "Bulking season".
WP: You have a lot going on in your life. What are your future projects? Have any in sight?
One of my hobbies is music. I've done it on the side since I was ten. My brother is a well-known hip-hop/rap artist, so he always influenced me to give it a shot at music. I do it every so often. I am now working with a producer in hopes of finalizing some of my music I have made in the past years. I’m not sure as to when it will be finalized, but it's something I will definitely do sometime soon.
Another project is I am doing a speech on inspiring a healthier lifestyle for kids, teens, and adults. At this time, Q13 Fox News is finding an appropriate time to book so I can have a broadcast session to do the speech. I really hope that works out.
WP: If you could change one thing about yourself; what would it be?
If I could change one thing about myself it would be my height. I wish I was taller. But, you can't do anything about it. You got one life. I plan to make the most of it and except who I am.
WP: Is there anything else you would like to add? Now is the time!
First, I would like to thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to work with you Ms. Tammy and World Physique. Create a vision and pursue it. A lot of people dream big, but just like anything else; it takes work and time to reach your goals in life.
WP: You are an amazing young man! You have really impressed me! You have been a pleasure to interview! Thank you for your time and good luck in your future bodybuilding endeavors! Keep up the great work!
