Pham Van Mach: 'I have to bend myself to become world champion at the age of 47'

Bodybuilder Pham Van Mach maintained a strict training regimen and proper nutrition to win his sixth world championship in the 55kg category yesterday, November 9.

Pham Van Mach celebrates with a gold medal in the 55kg category at the World Championships in Wonju, South Korea on the evening of November 9. Photo: FBNV

- You were the world champion in the 55kg category in 2001, 2009, 2010, 2014 and 2017. This time, competing at the age of 47 and winning again, how do you feel different?

- It's not true to say I'm not surprised, but I'm happy and proud that I continue to stand on the highest podium. In each tournament, I equip myself with the best mindset, ready for any situation to have the best performance.

- How are you preparing for the tournament in Wonju, Korea this time?

- I often say jokingly but it is true, "know yourself and your enemy, and you will win 100 matches". In addition to the strong athletes from Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar... that I have met, this tournament also has other very good athletes. I also notice that every year, athletes from other countries have made significant progress in preparation. Therefore, I myself have to prepare carefully, learn carefully about my opponents to see what weaknesses and strengths they have so that I can overcome and learn from them. Thanks to that, I overcame a series of strong opponents to win the championship.

- Having been involved in bodybuilding since 1997, what is the secret that helps you stay committed to this sport until now?

- With more than 20 years of experience in bodybuilding training and competition, I have learned many lessons and secrets to maintain my form. On normal days, I train for two hours, but during the final stages of competition, I increase the volume to 3-5 hours.

Besides, I also emphasize nutrition - a factor that is always very important for athletes in general, and bodybuilders in particular. A good nutritional regimen helps me maintain my muscular system and have the health to train regularly. In addition, I also have to discipline myself to practice and compete, such as limiting alcohol and stimulants, eating low-fat foods, not fried..., sleeping on time, getting enough sleep. When you mold yourself into a framework with high awareness, success will come to you.

- At the age of 47, already a monument of Vietnamese bodybuilding, what difficulties do you see yourself facing compared to when you were younger?

- Jokingly, I feel like the more I practice, the younger I get. But honestly, at this age, the preparation stage also encounters many difficulties and challenges. When you get older, building muscle and muscle groups will be slower than before. Your physical strength is also not as flexible and durable as when you were young. In addition, injuries are more likely to happen. I also have my own life, have to worry about many things, so I am more prone to stress... But when I overcome those difficulties, I feel lucky and happy with bodybuilding.

- So when do you plan to compete?

- I think I will compete for a few more years, because my muscle mass is still very good for competition. The older the ginger, the spicier it is.

- Bodybuilding is becoming more and more popular, and more young people want to pursue it professionally. What is your advice to them?

- Bodybuilding is a popular and great sport for everyone. But to follow it, you must learn and study before pursuing it as your passion. If you do so, your path will be on the right track and you will reach your destination safely and effectively.

Vnexpress.net