When did your fitness journey begin? Tell us a little more about your involvement in the industry.
I started my fitness journey in 2006. I was playing basketball at the time and had always played sports before that (judo, fencing, tennis, soccer, horse riding, skiing, snowboarding) but this was a time when I started to have to study more and I was also starting a gig that was taking time away from the 5 times a week practice + game(s). So I had to stop playing basketball but I couldn't stop being active so I started lifting in my bedroom with a bench, a couple bars and dumbbells and some weights. Right away I wanted to learn the most effective ways to make progress and evolve so I started learning all I could about training, nutrition and supplements, over the web (bodybuilding.com, t-nation and others websites) and numerous books. After a whole year lifting in my bedroom, proving myself I had the patience and consistency to train every week and adopt the fitness lifestyle I decided to join a gym.
After 8 years of consistent lifting and proper nutrition and after the emergence of the men's physique division in 2011, I decided to enter my first fitness competition in October 2013 where I placed 3rd. One month later I came to the USA for what was supposed to be a 5 weeks vacation, I entered a couple shows and after meeting some people in the industry I decided to extend my stay and do the Arnold Classic USA in March 2014. I got 2nd place overall and earned my pro status.
Today I'm still living in Los Angeles, I never went back to Switzerland, I'm now sponsored by some amazing companies: Musclepharm, Swole O'Clock, Lana's egg whites and Bulge Clothing.
I'm looking forward helping others reach their goals and follow their own dreams through my social media and with my online coaching services. Since I've been following my dreams, only amazing things have happened to me and I want to encourage anyone to do the same, whatever their dreams are, it's all worth it.
What has been your biggest success up until now?
Meeting the love of my life, Chloé, who I can share my journey with. Also being lucky enough to run into the right coach: Kirk Chittick at the right time who helped me transform my physique to reach the pro level. Overall connecting with amazing people in the fitness industry.
In the competition field, my result at the Arnold Classic USA 2014 and earning my pro card.
What is your all-time favourite memory?
In 2014, before going to the Arnold Classic USA, I needed to work on my stage presentation and Mark Anthony, 1st ever Men's physique, invited me to his house in Las Vegas to teach me how to pose and he did so despite he just had his wisdom teeth pulled out. He welcomed me to his place, trained me in the gym for a week and taught me how to pose. This gave me such a boost and a lot more confidence to step on stage at the Arnold Classic.
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
Jay Cutler! I'm lucky enough to know him personally and to be able to get his advice. He's the most recognized bodybuilder today, definitely the most successful bodybuilder business wise and the closest to his fans. He has always done so much to connect to his fans and be close to them, being the 1st to make DVD's, one of the pioneers in the social media areas enabled him to really get close to his fans. He never turns down a fan even after over 12 hours standing at a booth shaking hand and taking pictures, to me he's a role model.
What are your pet hates about etiquette at the gym?
When people don't put back their weights or when they act like the machine or equipment they're using is their property and don't want to share.
When was the last time you had an amazing meal?
June 29th, after my last pro show in San Jose. Burgers, fries, fried chicken and a sundae!
What's your spirit animal?
Brown Bear.
What makes you happiest?
When people take the time to reach out to me to tell me how I motivate them and inspire them, that definitely make me the happiest without a doubt.
What's one thing that you dislike about how people view the bodybuilding industry?
The meathead stereotype.
What kind of impact do you want to make in the bodybuilding world / outside of the bodybuilding world?
In the bodybuilding world: I want to become an icon for the industry, to be a reminder for everyone that no matter where you start, for me in a small city in Switzerland, with passion, hard work and consistency you can achieve anything.
Outside : Contribute at making the world a better place. I want to leave my marks as Arnold Schwarzenegger did, motivate people to follow their passion and prove that everything is possible.