Marco Araujo

USN Elite Athlete and WBFF Pro Fitness Model Marco Araujo shares his journey into the fitness industry. We discuss who inspires him, why he loves training legs, and what are some of his favourite supplements.

- Charelle Johnson

When did your fitness journey begin and what got you into competing? I started at the age of 20 with weight training after I had picked up a serious injury playing soccer. The injury ended my soccer career which led me to weight training. I needed to do something to keep my health and fitness going. In 2011 I did my first show, completely off the books and not planned. I walked into the gym the one day and one of the guys in the gym, Juan Botha, approached me and asked me if I’d be standing in three weeks. I had no idea what he was talking about, so he explained it all and asked me if I was keen on a challenge, and I accepted. I successfully won my first show - Mr and Miss Body Beautiful SA 2011.

What would you say has been the most rewarding part of your career in fitness?

I’d say it’s the number of people, brands and companies who believe in me. Being offered sponsorships, or asked to be the face of a brand is a really rewarding and satisfy feeling. We all work so hard, so to be rewarded with that is an amazing feeling.