A retired businessman turned world champion bodybuilder has gone from strength to strength despite only competing for the past six months.
Peter Hancock, of Ingleby Barwick, first began bodybuilding about three years ago following the birth of his youngest daughter, Teri-Rose.
The retired 56-year-old said: “Prior to that I was doing a lot of extreme endurance-type training which took up a great deal of my time.
“I wanted to spend more time with my family so I decided to find an interest that was a little less time consuming, at least on the actual time I spent physically training.
“It all came together at the right time.”
After months of persuasion by seasoned bodybuilder Shaun Hannan, who put his own bodybuilding goals on hold to mentor Peter for two years, Peter eventually decided to give it a go in June last year and entered for his first title, International Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (IBFA) Mr Northumberland Over 55, which he won.
As a result, Peter then qualified for the British finals where he claimed the title of IBFA Mr Britain Over 55 in July.
The same show also saw him win the IBFA Masters Overall title where he was up against men 10 years younger than him.
Following his rapid success, Peter received an invite to compete in the IBFA World Championships in Rome which took place in October.
Peter won again, meaning that regardless of what happens, the record books will always show Peter as the 2014 IBFA World Champion Over 55.
The father of three, who describes last year as “not a bad first year” said: “At first it seemed ridiculous.
“Shaun had been telling me to compete. I kept saying I couldn’t think of anything worse than standing on stage posing.
“I went into the first competition thinking I would try it, with the sole intention of enjoying the experience.”
Four titles later and with two already lined up for this year including IBFA Mr Teesside, IBFA’s first competition in Teesside and IBFA Mr Universe in Italy, Peter’s feet remain firmly on the ground.
He said: “It is just amazing. It is not celebrity statuts but the number of people that come up to me and congratulate me is overwhelming.”
A member at David Lloyd Teesside, Peter says he will always be thankful to his wife, Tracy, and mentor, Shaun, for their support.
Peter, who worked at Midas Cladding Services, added: “To say the impact my diet and training now has on my home and social life is frustrating is putting it very mildly.
“Thankfully I have the full support of my wife Tracy. I could not have done it without her.”
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