BY BILL PHILLIPS
It’s not uncommon for businesses and business owners to sponsor events.
But John Brink, of the Brink Group of Companies, isn’t only the title sponsor of the Iron Ore Classic, he also competes in the bodybuilding competition.
“The main reason is I’m very much into working out,” said Brink of why he is a sponsor.
The Iron Ore Classic, which goes Saturday, September 30 at Vanier Hall, has had a resurgence in the past three years.
About 20 years ago there was an Iron Ore competition in the city, but faded away.
“About three-and-a-half years ago I was working out in the gym and people talked about wanting to bring back the Iron Ore,” said Brink. “I kind of liked that idea.”
From there, he became involved as the title sponsor. He worked with Karley Green to resurrect the Iron Ore, who eventually became his trainer.
“I believe Prince George warrants such a show,” said Brink. “As things unfolded and I started working out with Karley, people said have you ever thought of competing.”
Last October he took to the stage at the Iron Ore Classic. Building your body up enough to compete is tough enough, but for Brink, who knows a lot of people in town, getting up front of 500 people dressed only in a Speedo was pretty challenging too.
“I’m 76 years old, so it was quite a new experience,” he said.
Brink says he was like a lot of people in that he would buy a gym membership, go a couple of times, and then life would get in the way of working out and getting fit. That changed about 10 years ago and he became more committed to getting fit and going to the gym.
“It’s a real commitment,” he said. “I have seen people getting ready, but I never fully appreciated it. These are athletes. It’s challenge for diet and being in shape.”
Last year Brink placed first in the bodybuilding and second in physique, which qualified him for provincials. He placed fourth in both at the provincials, which qualified him for nationals next year.
“It’s a big part of my life,” he said. “It’s going to the gym, it’s the right thing to do. I really enjoy it.”
And, he is living proof for those who think that they’re too old to start getting into shape, that you’re not.
“There is no question about, you only are old if you decide that you will be be old,” he said. “I know people who are old at 35 or 40. It’s you that makes the choice, it’s healthy living. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”
The Iron Ore Classic goes Saturday at Vanier Hall. Guest poser will be Mike O’Hearn. He is also known as Titan is an American bodybuilder, actor, personal trainer and model. He has been featured on over 500 magazine covers, was Fitness Model of the Year seven times, and is a four-time Mr. Natural Universe title holder.
Don’t miss it.
