Women love my muscles —Ogedegbe

Tyrone Tseye Ogedegbe

Mr. Universe Musclemania (Pro division) 2013 champion, Tyrone Tseye Ogedegbe, is proud of his roots: Nigeria. In this interview with ’TANA AIYEJINA, the 29-year-old talks about growing up in the UK, winning the world title and more

You are a British citizen born to Nigerian parents. Can you tell us about your family, what part of Nigeria are you from and how was growing up in the UK like for a young black boy?

My father is based in the US, Nashville Tennessee precisely and my mum resides in London. They believe in travelling as a very effective form of education, so from my childhood I’ve lived in Nigeria, the US and now in the UK. I am from Warri, Delta State and I am proud of my roots even though I am a British citizen. Living in the UK as a black British boy has been educational for me; I learnt a lot about being political and diplomatic in various situations and also to strive hard to prove what your worth is and not to settle for stereotypical views of the public.

Your love for wrestling and cartoon figures made you go into bodybuilding. Were there initial challenges you faced?

Yes there were initial challenges I faced. For instance, I found it hard to coordinate my training patterns in order to get the best results, but as time went on and with the right guidance, it became second nature to have a structure that fits well with your goals in the gym.

After just two years as a bodybuilder, you emerged Mr. Universe. How did you manage the feat?

I was quite shocked at my rapid progress and can only say God blessed my hard work and gave recognition for the dedication I had for the sport; it’s something I’m most passionate about. The opportunities and awards were welcomed and spurred me on as motivation for bigger and better things.

When you got to the US for the competition, did you ever think you were going to win?

Yes, all I thought about was winning. Personally, I believe that in order to be a champion, you need to first believe and envision that you’re one before others can do the same. So I believed I had already won even before travelling to Miami.

Now, you are a global figure, how have you been able to handle your new personality?

It’s still something new and exciting to me. I find myself giving more advice about what to do to help others achieve their fitness goals and even motivate them through discipline because this is a key ingredient in bodybuilding. My followers grow on a daily basis and I am even more excited about what 2014 will bring.

How difficult is it combining banking duties and bodybuilding?

It is quite difficult if you’re not organised because managing your time becomes highly crucial: from the start of the day to your lunch break and to the end of the day. I sacrifice my lunch break for gym sessions, and work my butt off while at work. It’s a juggling work but I try not to drop the ball.

You come from a football family that produced legendary Nigeria  goalkeeper Best Ogedegbe and Nathaniel Ogedegbe. How did these great stars impact on your life?

My uncle in particular, Nathaniel Ogedegbe is a great inspiration to me; this is because I’ve had the opportunity of getting to know him better. He’s passionate about what he does and his success in his football career is credit to that. With this, I can apply the same views and mentality to my own sport of bodybuilding.

With muscles everywhere, what kind of reaction do you get from people on the streets and in public places when they see you for the first time?

The reaction varies; some people appreciate it and give great comments, while some are intimidated. So, I will tell anyone like that out there, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I might just be the friendliest person you ever met!

Don’t your muscles scare women away from you?

I’ve been fortunate enough for it to actually have the opposite effect. It tends to be okay with women I meet, maybe that’s why I work extra harder when back in the gym. So all in all, my relationship with the opposite sex has been quite positive; there’s no Mrs. Ogedegbe yet, but who knows what the future holds?

You will be visiting Nigeria next year for the Okoku foundation. What does this home coming mean to you and what are you going to do during the trip?

Yes I’ll be supporting the inauguration of this event and I am a great admirer of Paul Okoku for creating such an opportunity for less privileged kids. It is something I’m proud to be associated with and as a result, I will be giving an extraordinary performance. In other words, some flexing won’t be far from sight.

The Okoku foundation helps kids in the US and Nigeria. Are you planning to have such in Nigeria as well?

Yes, eventually this could happen, but for now I’ll be supporting the Okoku foundation and watch it rise to greater things. I’ve always supported the progress and motivation of the youths. I have held motivational talks in London at the Damilola Taylor Youth Center. The late Damilola is a kid that was victimised by gangs in London, so I’m keen and inspired on what Okoku is about doing in Nigeria. In addition, I’ll be organising a fitness program that will help Nigerian athletes and anyone interested in getting fit and looking good. Special appearances will also be made on TV stations and events to promote fitness in my motherland. At the Paul Okoku Greater Tomorrow event, I’ll be making a guest appearance, flexing muscles and performing to wow the crowd. My motivation is to promote a positive message for the kids; give them something they can aspire to and support a movement to inspire the youths.

In Nigeria, bodybuilders are oftentimes used as security personnel in night clubs and public places. Does this suit them?

I think simply because a bodybuilder has acquired a physique that demands authority, he is automatically seen fit for such jobs. I also think every individual is different and it’s their own prerogative to decide what they want to use their physique or achievements and awards to become. The world is your oyster.

Diet is important to bodybuilding. Do you think Nigeria can produce a home-grown Mr. Universe?

Nigeria can definitely produce a home grown Mr. Universe, as long as discipline is their number one priority.

What are your best and worst moments?

My best moment will have to be when I won the overall title as a world champion. As for worst moment, I can’t seem to think of one as I am a strong believer in counting your blessings, as these overshadow any negativity in your life

What is the most embarrassing moment you’ve had as a bodybuilder?

I went on stage without my number in pure excitement (laughs).

What is your normal training routine like?

A couple of hours per day and six days per week, I train each body part on separate days and I devised a plan that allows quick recovery. I also ensure that I do not over train a specific muscle group in the body.

What are the secrets to a successful bodybuilding career?

You need to stay focused, disciplined, do your research, don’t be scared to experiment new things that might work better with your body, stay clear of drugs, live a healthy life and walk the talk.

How do you relax?

I relax in the gym. I can’t think of a better way of taking out all the frustrations on a pair of weights. It works quite well for me and has proven to do the same for others. Alternative ways of relaxing for me would be chilling at home watching a movie, some red wine to cool me down, listening to good music; jazz would be an ideal choice.

There have always been issues of racism in the Western world. Have you been a victim? If yes, can you share your experience with us?

This is an issue that fortunately I haven’t witnessed much of. Might be that I keep a forward thinking attitude and do not look for it, because if you do, you will definitely find it and will continually use it as an excuse for not moving forward. In my books, there are no excuses, so if you want something badly and work hard for it, no man can dictate what you rightly deserve. In the end, you’ll be holding the longer end of the stick.

Who is Tyrone Tseye Ogedegbe?

I’m religious, I have a strong belief in God and I’m forever thankful for His blessings.