Thread: Bodybuilder Renzo's still a winner after a 22-year break

Bodybuilder Renzo's still a winner after a 22-year break

Renzo Algieri, 54, from Cardiff has the Mr Wales title in his sights

Renzo Algieri has just started competitive bodybuilding again at the age of 54 Returning to any sport after a long lay off can be a challenge, but not for Cardiff bodybuilder Renzo Algieri, who has proved he still has what it takes after a break of more than 20 years .

Renzo walked away from competitive bodybuilding scene at 32 but, after a visit to a show last year, he decided he would give it another try aged 54, with the aim of being named Mr Wales in Barry next month.

Last weekend he collected the overall Hercules Olympia title in Colchester, beating off competition from entrants less than half his age, despite only entering the contest as preparation.

Father-of-two Renzo, who lives in St Mellons, started competitive bodybuilding as a young man and was named Junior Mr Wales aged just 21. More success followed, but at age 32 he retired from the sport.

Renzo Algieri





“I knew I had to commit myself more to the sport if I was ever to improve,” said Renzo, who works for a sports nutrition company.
“By that time I was pretty burnt out anyway.”


After watching entrants in the Mr Wales contest last year, Renzo, who trains at Peak Physique gym on Rhymney River Bridge Road, convinced himself he still had the desire to compete


“I absolutely upped everything, got my nutritional plan in place and my supplements and started going for it,” he said
“I was talking to a pro bodybuilder and he said I was on another plane, my feet haven’t touched the ground. But I can’t rest on my laurels, I want to win Mr Wales.”




Renzo trains three times a day and is on a strict diet consisting of lean meats, eggs and vegetables. He is spurred on by his wife Julie, who is suffering from a degenerative back condition.


“My wife is my motivation because she is ill and she has never seen me compete. I want to do this for her. I’ve had a dream start,” he said.