Gozdecki is on top of the natural world

Just weeks after earning his pro card, Gozdecki headed to New York to compete with the world’s best natural bodybuilders.

And, despite lacking the muscle maturity of some of the more experienced competitors, Gozdecki won the heavyweight category before being crowned overall champion, a moment he described as “pretty crazy”.

It crowned an amazing rise for the Ryton-on-Dunsmore-based athlete, but having only taken up the sport three years ago, he worries that he may struggle to come up with further goals.

“It’s all come a bit too early,” said Gozdecki, who trains seven days a week at The Workout Mill in Leamington. “It’s the pinnacle [for natural bodybuilders] and I don’t know where to go now.”

Gozdecki admits there are still areas of his body which need work, but any improvements in his physique will have to wait as he plans to take a year out from competing to spend time with family and friends “doing normal things”.

It means he will not be able to defend his world title or take advantage of his new professional status.

However, the time off from a punishing schedule of training, eating and crash-dieting will allow him to marry fiance Rebecca in April, who he admits has been “amazing” and “really supportive” to his unusual hobby.

The 29-year-old, who usually balloons from 16 stone to 20 stone in the off-season, will not be able to take his eye off the ball totally, though.

“I’ve got to stay lean for the wedding so I can fit into the suit,” he said.

“Then the following year I’ll come back bigger and better.”