Ag economist takes bodybuilding title—again
Friday, January 23, 2009
(January 23, 2008 Stillwater, OK) - An agricultural economics instructor at Oklahoma
State University, who doubles as one of the top lightweight natural bodybuilders in
the world, recently took the top spot in global competition for the second year in
a row. Dr. Brian Whitacre added to his growing number of awards in November when he
again earned the title of “Pro Lightweight Champ” at the World Natural Bodybuilding
Federation World Championship.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be able to do this for a second year, especially when
you know that you’re the one everyone wants to beat,” said Whitacre. “Knowing that
my fellow competitors were aiming to de-throne me helped fuel my workouts in the gym.”
The event in New York City is among the most demanding for bodybuilders, as it attracts
competitors from around the world and hands out over $30,000 in prize money. Each
competitor is urine and polygraph tested for illegal substances to ensure a truly
natural contest. But the real challenges are something Whitacre faces daily, especially
the last six months before a contest.
“Most people don't realize that bodybuilding is much more of a mental battle than
it is a physical one. Carefully planning a diet of eight meals a day and eating tuna
while everyone else is enjoying pizza is difficult. Still, to compete in what is arguably
the best natural organization in the world and see the results of all that hard work
pay off is extremely rewarding.”
Though he has only been competing since 2003, Whitacre was also among three finalists
for the overall award at the New York contest. “I lost to a heavier middleweight competitor
from England for the overall title, but that just gives me more motivation for next
year, said Whitacre. “The continual push for improvement is the thing I love most
about this sport.”
The assistant professor with the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
says he enjoys his teaching, research and extension duties at OSU. He is also appreciative
for colleagues who try to understand why he has to bring his own food to conferences
and often can’t join them for dinner. “In general, people are very understanding about
my need to train and some even express an interest in competing or ask for diet advice.”
Whitacre serves as faculty adviser for the OSU Weightlifting Club and is the man behind
the Mr. and Miss OSU Bodybuilding Contest. “I took seven OSU students up to a natural
bodybuilding competition in Missouri last April and they all did extremely well. We
will likely be returning there this year to compete again.”
For more details, click on the following link for the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation
webpage http://www.wnbf.net/results-item.html?eventId=25 and Whitacre’s personal website: http://www.brianwhitacre.net/