Former England and Gloucester rugby icon Phil Vickery has taken on an incredible new challenge by jumping into the world of competitive bodybuilding at the age of 48.
Vickery, who has dedicated himself to personal fitness, has undergone a remarkable physical transformation that saw him take home a glittering medal at the Ultimate Physiques competition in Milton Keynes last Saturday – a feat he has been enthusiastic about bragging to his online followers.
Nicknamed ‘The Raging Bull’ during his rugby days and a key member of the 2003 World Cup-winning team, Vickery prepared for his bodybuilding debut with months of dedicated training at the Severnside Gym in Gloucester.
The powerful former sportsman, who won the Celebrity MasterChef title in 2011, has not been shy about sharing the hard details of his strict diet with his fans, detailing the rigorous workout and diet plan he follows.
The massive sports hero who once dominated the field at 6-foot-3 and 19 pounds reflects on his journey and admits to the many emotions he has experienced along the way. “It’s been an interesting journey, with a lot of ups and downs,” he said.
As the 20th anniversary of England’s World Cup triumph approached, Vickery set out on a two-year mission to get back into top form. He trained early in the morning in the freezing cold, followed a strict diet and exercise regimen, and sculpted his body for this remarkable transformation.
Vickery’s hard work has certainly paid off, with fans and former teammates alike amazed by his new physique, which he proudly showed off on social media.
The former England star shared a shirtless gym snap to mark the 20th anniversary of his World Cup triumph, saying: “Two years ago I decided I was going to get in the best shape of my life.” Former England team-mate Matt Dawson cheered him on, saying: “Keep going, Biggs! Congrats, mate.”
