POWERLIFTING champion Shawn Ray took the bodybuilding community by storm in the early 2000s.
But who is he and what is his health and fitness lifestyle like? Here's everything you need to know.
Who is Shawn Ray?
Shawn Ray, born December 9, 1965, is an American professional bodybuilder.
Despite his non-athletic childhood in Placentia, California, the world champ boasts an impressive career of more than 30 years.
Ray's passion for strength training began during his college years – when he won pro status at National Championships in 1987.
He got his inspiration from fellow athlete icons Chris Dickerson and Bob Paris.
Ray forged an incredible professional legacy, with numerous titles and crowned in top competitions.
What has Shawn Ray won?
Ray took part in more than 30 bodybuilding competitions where he built a name for himself.
His first win came in 1983, when he scooped second place in the Orange Coast Championships.
The same year he saw his motivation boosted after taking home the California Gold Cup.
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At the age of only 19, Ray gathered the attention of top professionals from the field for his formidable figure.
In 1984, he won the Mr Teenage California and Mr Teenage Los Angles ranking the top best in each the competition.
As years followed, the young athlete forged impressive results throughout top teenage bodybuilding competitions – always scoring among the top three.
The self-made athlete's success reached the top when in 1985 he won Jr. World Championships both in his class and overall category.
However, after winning Mr California in 1987, ray took a break from stage to further sculpt his body and improve his strength.
A year later he stepped on the stage at the National Championships with 196lbs to earn his Pro card.
When he finally competed at the Mr Olympia, Ray was left disappointed by the result of 13th place.
After two years away from the spotlight, he came back to be crowned at the Pro Ironman Show in 1990 and at the Arnold Classic in 1990.
Ray was nicknamed the Giant Killer for beating every bodybuilder he faced with the exception of Dorian Yates and Lee Haney.
Shawn finally retired from bodybuilding in 2011 at the age of 36 after winning his last Mr Olympia forking 4th place.
What is Shawn Ray's workout plan?
Shawn Ray spends over three to four hours every day working out – focusing on different muscle groups each time.
The strongman completes chest, shoulders ad arms workouts as well as legs and back workouts.
He recommends to always switch the training plan every four to six weeks to make sure to build the full body.
What does Shawn Ray eat in a day?
Ray's training style follows a strict regimen based on a diet plan.
He previously said: "If you don't follow a good nutritional plan, you're bodybuilding with one arm behind your back."
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When it comes to food he eats around six meals a day – even when he's not competing.
His diet includes oatmeal, pasta, veg and protein-based foods like eggs, steak and chicken.
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