Gozdecki poses big threat to champion

“I just decided to do it as I wanted to prove to my mates I was natural as all the competitions are tested,” he said. “I did really well and it went on from there.”

Now, just two years later, the 28-year-old is heading to tomorrow’s UIBBN (Union Internationale de Body Building Naturel) World Championships in Barcelona with a realistic chance of being crowned world champion.

Gozdecki, from Ryton-on-Dunsmore, qualified for Barcelona after winning the British Championships in Bedworth, picking up the best routine and heavy-weight title on his way to being crowned overall champion.

Barcelona will be the culmination of a two-year quest, which has seen Gozdecki, who trains seven days a week at The Workout Mill in Leamington, piling on the pounds before going on a 15-week diet which will help him shift excess body fat.

The former British junior breaststroke champion admitted the preparation had been intense, with the training, and eating, having to fit around his job as an engine inspector for Rolls Royce.

But, with the bulk of the cardio and iron pumping behind him, Gozdecki is now focusing on looking his best for the big day. And, contrary to popular belief, there won’t be a jar of Bisto in sight.

“I’m drinking 14 to 18 litres of water a day for six days in the run-up to the show and then I’ll stop drinking at 2pm the day before and the water will pour out at the same rate. With no water under the skin it shows the muscle better.

“Using gravy granules is a myth, though. We just use a really dark tan as when you’re under the lights it tends to wash you out.”

Gozdecki will be part of a ten-strong British squad in Barcelona, where he will come face to face with ten-times world champion Jonny Yrius.

The Frenchman pipped Gozdecki to the European title in June and has a massive advantage over his rival in terms of experience.

However, Gozdecki says he can be beaten.

“Because he is 38, he has years of muscle maturity which makes his muscles look thicker and harder, whereas my muscles are new muscles.

“He beat me at the Europeans in Marseille but I pushed him pretty close and I’m hoping to come back and beat him.

“The win at the British will give me confidence. I’m in better condition and am slightly lighter so it should show up my muscles better.”

Gozdecki is looking forward to spending a year away from competition after the weekend, admitting the dieting can take its toll on fiance Emma.

However, after taking part in the worlds he still has one ambition left to fulfil.

“I’d like to be compete at Mr Universe,” he added. “It’s not tested so it’s an unwritten rule that people take steroids.

“But my goal is to qualify and represent Britain as a natural.”