The William Bonac Story

Muscle Evolution caught up with William “The Conqueror” Bonac, IFBB Pro, Mr. Olympia competitor, Y3T-follower and Team USN athlete, to find out about his views on bodybuilding and how to overcome setbacks and adversity in life.

- Werner Beukes

William, your rise to bodybuilding greatness required that you overcome a great deal more than just building a physique worthy of the biggest bodybuilding stage in the world – the Mr. Olympia. What people don't realise is that you were, at one point, down and out and living out of your car. Is that true?

Yes, I was going through a particularly rough patch in my life. There are circumstances in life you can't control. I had lost my job and my home which subsequently forced me to sleep in my car. I could have stayed at a friend's house, but I did not want to bother anyone. My pride also meant I felt compelled to handle the situation myself and would not accept any help. But I got through it, and I came out stronger than ever. More importantly, I learned from it!

What have you learned?

It taught me to never give up. Life is tough with a lot of obstacles, but you have to hang in there to survive. Setbacks and roadblocks are only obstacles between where you are now and where you want to be. Nothing lasts forever and you must make the most out of your situation, no matter where you find yourself in life. Often, trial-and-error experiences will teach you more than most books.

You are originally from Ghana. How did you end up in Europe?

My mother brought me and my sister over and we settled in the Netherlands. My mother made the move so that we could have the opportunity to live a better life.