Ex-plumber looking to take Mr Olympia crown

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The 29-year-old is just months away from taking to the global stage once more in Las Vegas at the elite professional men’s bodybuilding contest.

Terry registered two top five finishes in 2015 and 2016, where he missed out on winning by the narrowest of margins, to be awarded second place.

He has since won the 2017 Arnold Classic - an annual international competition created by Arnold Schwarzenegger - and met the A-Lister on stage.

“I’ve won his show twice; once as an amateur and once as a pro,” said the former St John’s CofE Primary School pupil and Elizabethan student.

“Last year I got an interview with him on stage, which was a bit surreal. I just saw The Terminator coming towards me in front of 5,000 people.

“I was a bit star-struck when he wanted me to answer some questions but it was a great experience and one I thoroughly enjoyed.”

Schwarzenegger won Mr Olympia seven times during the 1970s and early 80s and Terry is looking to follow in the great man’s footsteps.

“I had a great couple of years at Olympia,” said Terry. “I came fourth and the year after that I came second.

“Last year I took a step back and changed my game plan to try and take that top spot but it didn’t work for me.

“That’s just the way it can go sometimes. Some things work, some things don’t.

“I’ve had some time away from the stage and got the calories back in, given my body a bit of a rest and it’s falling into place again.

“I’ve put my weight back on and training well. I’m making small improvements on lagging muscle parts ready for September.

“A European has never won it. Only the top 20 in the world go there and there’s been no other European on that stage other than myself.

“It’s always a great honour to be up there. There will be more Europeans up there this year so it’ll be nice to have them with me.

“The main focus is to be the best in the world and it’s a tall order but I’ve given myself the best chance possible.

“I live in America as well as over here. It helps to be over there, going to shows and living the American lifestyle.”

Terry started training when he was aged 14 and had a previous career as a plumber, pot washer and removals man.

“I know what hard work is. I used to have three jobs at one point.

“I was very proud to get my plumbing and gas qualifications and it’s kept me grounded,” he added.