Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Wednesday, 12 October, 2016. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Wednesday 12th of October, 2016,
Only weeks after taking out first place at the Athletes With Attitude Bendigo Classic Body Building and Fitness competition, Aquamoves member Michael Leonard has won first prize at the sport’s national qualifier, the Australian Natural Bodybuilding Victorian State Championships.
The competition, which was held at the Kingston Town Hall in Melbourne, saw the 62-year-old bodybuilder compete and win against participants more than 20 years his junior.
“Because there was only myself and one other competing in our age category, they decided to put us in with men aged 40 and over, so I was rapt to have a win against the younger guys,” Mr Leonard said.
The six times Mr Victoria Masters champion has been competing for 25 years and developed a passion for the sport when he started exercising in the gym at a young age.
“Bodybuilding is all about the shape of your body, it’s really got nothing to do with how much weight you can lift in the gym.”
“You’re judged on the Bodybuilding stage for your symmetry, from the tip of your head to the tip of your toes,” Mr Leonard said.
After spending several months on a strict diet and training cardio and weights twice a day for the recent contests, Michael says he won’t be going on to compete at the national level.
“I’ve achieved more than I set out to this time around and I’m looking forward to easing back on the diet a bit now” Mr Leonard said.
“When we’re training for competition we really only eat protein. We take out all fat, sugar, fruit, dairy or bread, so it is extreme.”
But whether he is competing or not, Michael says training as a Bodybuilder is now simply part of his lifestyle and something he can’t go without.
“I love how good it makes me feel while also keeping me fit and healthy,” he said.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Thursday 23rd of April,
Community voices highlight growing pressure on essential services in Greater Shepparton
Greater Shepparton City Council is reinforcing its State Budget advocacy, highlighting the growing pressure local residents, workers and businesses are experiencing as demand for essential services continues to outpace investment. Read more
Tuesday 21st of April,
Budget commitment marks progress for Shepparton rail services
Greater Shepparton City Council has welcomed the Victorian Government’s budget commitment to increase train services on the Shepparton line, following sustained advocacy by Council since 2023. Read more
Monday 20th of April,
Massive week of BMX in Greater Shepparton
Greater Shepparton City Council has wrapped up another massive week of sport, with the 2026 GWM BMX Racing National Championships concluding on Saturday 18 April. Read more
Friday 17th of April,
Greater Shepparton secures headline BMX Racing event ahead of Olympic Games
Greater Shepparton City Council is pleased to announce that Shepparton will become the focus of international BMX Racing when it hosts two rounds of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup in 2028. Read more
Wednesday 15th of April,
Council continues targeted engagement ahead of Murray-Darling Basin Plan review
Greater Shepparton City Council is intensifying its advocacy and engagement efforts to ensure local community and industry voices are heard as part of the Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) review, with public submissions closing on 1 May 2026. Read more
Tuesday 14th of April,
Shepparton BMX Multi-Use Events Pavilion named finalist for 2025 Victorian Sport Award
Greater Shepparton City Council is proud to announce that the Shepparton BMX Multi-Use Events Pavilion has been named a finalist in the Local Government Initiative of the Year category at the 2025 Victorian Sport Awards. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Friday 24th of April,
Puff Walk
Puff Walks are more than just steps – they’re connections. Read more
Thursday 23rd of April, – to Monday 1st of June,
Nature Neighbours
Come along to an outdoor-based group to connect with yourself, others and nature Read more
Friday 24th of April,
Keg Touring presents Luke Kidgell - Good Intentions
Luke Kidgell continues new World Tour in Australia in 2026! View on Riverlinks
Friday 24th of April,
Yarn Over Yarn Knitters Group at Shepparton Library
All welcome! Read more
Tuesday 28th of April,
BeConnected Presentation at Shepparton Library - How to Use Government Websites
Online one-hour presentation. Read more
Tuesday 28th of April,
Shepparton Malayalee Association presents Voice of Vineeth Sreenivasan Live
Vineeth Sreenivasan is not just a name in Indian cinema — he is an emotion, a memory, and a melody that lives within us. View on Riverlinks
See All Events