Big Blue shaping up for Mr Universe challenge
Nine times winner of the Mr Ireland title, the 43-year-old will compete against 270 body builders from across the world in Mr Universe, taking place in Southport in England tomorrow.
The well-known Limerick city businessman hails originally from St Mary’s Parish and now lives in Ardnacrusha.
One of the oldest bodybuilding competitions in the world, this is the first time Shinners has qualified for the high profile event.
“I’ve been training for the past 18 years but I’ve never got the opportunity to represent Ireland at the Mr Universe contest before, so this is the pinnacle for me.”
Around 30 supporters will travel to England today with Blue, who trains six times a week and follows a strict eating plan. “Bodybuilding is one of the hardest sports in the world as it demands all your focus for dieting and training.
“My typical day would involve getting up at 6.30am for a 45-minute aerobic workout on my cross trainer at home. I’d then have breakfast and prepare my food for the rest of the day. I go to the gym in the evening for about an hour and then home for dinner,” he added.
Blue follows a high protein and moderate carbohydrate diet with plenty of protein drinks. He weighs 15 stone 4lb.
Meanwhile, two of the world’s top 10 strong men will be in Tramore, Co Waterford on Sunday to compete in the Irish Open Strongest Man competition.
The event will be held on the seaside town’s promenade from lunchtime with the car-lifting event due to take place around 4.30pm.
British competitors, Mark Felix and Terry Holland, who finished in the top 10 in last year’s World’s Strongest Man event are now confirmed entrants for the Tramore event. Local strongmen include Carl Waitoa, Paul Roberts of New Ross and All-Ireland novice champ Nigel Troy.
