Philip Ricardo Jr. Top Competitive Bodybuilder Photos Gallery 2

Philip Ricardo Jr.

"I grew up playing Football and loving it. Football kept me healthy and active, and in High School I was introduced to the weight room where I saw dramatic changes in muscularity and strength quickly and naturally. I was slim, but muscular all the way through High School and early in my first 3 years of the Marine Corps when a co-worker entered me in the Iwakuni Japan Marine Corps Base Bodybuilding championships in 1992 without my knowledge and I was thrust into competition. I didn't know how to pose, wore multicolored speedos, and didn't shave my body hair and still managed to win my weight class. Getting that individual 1st place trophy and being on stage in front of the crowd got me hooked! 39 shows and 22 more 1st place trophies later, I still love the sport and feel nervous before each competition and have been drug free throughout my entire career. I was very fortunate to get involved with many Natural Organizations and become successful in each of them. I turned Professional in 4 different organizations and having a chance to do that in these organizations have kept me focused and motivated in the sport of bodybuilding – knowing that I don't have to take drugs to become a professional bodybuilder or to be a successful by having other federations that features only Natural Athletes (for the most part) has prolonged my career in the sport."

click thumbnails to enlarge pictures

"I've always been competitive, even as a child playing football and now as a Marine, I always want to excel in everything I do. I get motivation from looking at other champions and wanting to reach their levels and to be a positive role model for my family, friends, and the Bodybuilding world in general. When I prepare for competition, I always keep in mind that the competition is training just as hard – if not harder – than I am, and I have to push myself past my comfort zone in order to reach my optimal shape."