Spalding competitor comes out of retirement to win two bodybuilding titles after just four weeks of prep

Rob Harris claimed two ‘unexpected’ bodybuilding titles – after giving himself just four weeks to get in shape.

The 42-year-old – who had given up competing three years ago after the Covid pandemic struck – dropped from 81 to 69 kilos in time to claim the awards at the Rob Reinaldo Classic in Peterborough.

“It was unexpected as I’d basically retired from competing three years ago when Covid hit,” explained Rob, who is general manager at Snap Fitness Spalding and has been backed in his return by fiancee Heather and daughter Alexis.

“They stopped the shows and I was working at a gym and all the gyms were shut, so I had to transition from not having a job to getting back into a regular life.

“I’d already spent 18 years competing and it was all I knew.

“I completely changed my lifestyle a mindset and had six months out, so I did throw me. Especially mentally.”

However, after a friend sent Rob the poster for last month’s show his interest was piqued.

“I ummed and ahhd about it,” Rob continued.

“I spoke to my partner and daughter as I always involves them in decisions that affect the family. My partner was like ‘go for it’, so I literally prepped for four weeks.

“Normally it’s a16-week prep, so I did it to see if, at 42 I could do it.”

That hard work paid off as Rob won the over 40s and under 75s categories and came third overall when up against all the other class winners.

After getting back on stage the buzz is back and Rob is now preparing to compete in his next show, a British championships event, in Leicester at the end of October.