Fareham hairdresser wins ‘tattooed model’ world championship bodybuilding title

Hairdresser Steve Christie is used to making other people look good.
Steve ChristieSteve Christie
Steve Christie

But five years ago he decided to focus on his own appearance too.

Steve, from Fareham, set about training and changed his diet.

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Within months he had discovered the world of bodybuilding and, after being encouraged to enter the Solent City Bodybuilding Show, he finished in third place.

That led him to the NABBA British amateur finals later that year, which saw him win his class as a novice.

Now five years on, and with more shows under his belt, he has now taken first place at Pure Elite’s Pro/Am World Championships.

Pure Elite is the largest bikini, fitness, and muscle model federation in Europe and the fastest growing in the world, with competitors from 102 countries.

Steve, 38, said: ‘My cheeks still hurt for smiling now.’

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He said that he remained focused despite setbacks such as a shoulder injury, lockdown and job demands.

He said: ‘Lockdown happened and it knocked the wind out of my sails on the training front but I stuck to the diet, got the steps in each day then managed to beg, borrow and steal a squat rack and weights for home. And I was back in the game.

‘I hit the weights and dieted hard for six weeks then and as hairdresser lockdown was coming to an end, my work life took over.

‘The first week of July I worked an 83-hour week. I did my best to keep the training up but my diet was 100 per cent on point.

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‘In August I decided that I wanted to go to the World Championships, so that gave me 12 weeks instead of the usual 16 weeks I need to prep.

‘Then I had a shoulder injury, it slowed me down and almost made my pull out. I got lots of sports treatment and pushed through the pain

‘Then three weeks away from the show the venue was changed. I nearly pulled out again.

‘Two weeks out and I didn't feel ready, so I nearly pulled out.

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‘Then one week out I did a photo shoot with local photographer Carl Grim and realised I was ready.’

Steve, who is 74kg - which is considered slight - said that he always struggles with his confidence standing next to larger competitors.

He remarked: ‘On show day I always feel small against the bigger guys but I know my condition is always on point.

‘We stepped on stage and I was placed fourth in the over 35s fitness model category.

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‘I was happy with the place in the strong line up of six good lads.

‘Then an hour later I was back on stage. Change of trunks and on for the tattooed model category which is the one I wanted to do well in.

‘And as they called the guys forward to collect trophies, I was still standing there.

‘It was just two of us, side by side, and we both knew we'd each be happy with whatever the outcome.

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‘When they called second place as Paul Remmer, we hugged, shook hands and I dropped to my knees with shock and emotions.

‘I cried a little and heard the words…’your Pure Elite Pro World’s Tattooed Model champ is... Steve Christie’. You should have seen the smile on my face.’

Now, after another busy spell at work, Steve is at home once again after the salon he works in was forced to close for lockdown for at least four weeks.

Although, this time round Steve insists he knows what he’s got to do.

‘I’m starting to get ready for the next show,’ he said.

‘I’ve got my home gym set up for this lock down, got a good team behind me and I'm ready to smash the stage next year.’

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