A 14-year-old boy from Singapore, Athanasius Lee, has captured the attention of social media with his remarkable physique, the result of two years of dedicated bodybuilding.
Lee, who describes himself as “addicted” to bodybuilding, trains every day except Sundays. He documents his progress on Instagram under the handle @athylifts, where he has amassed 650,000 followers.
His parents, Gladwin and Rachel, fully support their dyslexic son’s passion, noting that it has significantly boosted his confidence. Lee began his weightlifting journey at home at the age of 12, inspired by young bodybuilding influencers like Jesse James West.
“They seemed to have fun in their videos, which immediately captivated me,” Lee said. He recalls spending four hours doing bicep curls the first time he tried, following a YouTube tutorial. Now in his third year of secondary school, Lee skillfully balances his rigorous training schedule with his academic and extracurricular activities. He credits this routine with instilling discipline that benefits his schoolwork.
“In the first week, I barely saw any progress, but within 30 days, a lot can change,” Lee said, emphasizing the importance of consistency.
To ensure his training is age-appropriate, Lee’s parents enlisted a professional personal coach. His mother also prepares his meals, focusing on clean and healthy nutrition to support his bodybuilding goals.
The popularity of bodybuilding among male teenagers in Singapore is on the rise. Data from the National Sports Participation Survey indicates that participation in weightlifting and bodybuilding among males aged 13 to 19 reached 8% last year, a 5% increase from 2020.
Lee’s coach, Adrian Tan, suggested that social media plays a significant role in making young people more conscious of their appearance, motivating them to hit the gym. Tan ensures that Lee’s training regimen is safe and appropriate to prevent injuries.
Lee takes pride in his achievements and aspires to become a professional bodybuilder.
“A boy who dares to dream. Keep going and he will get very far,” commented one Instagram user.
Another observer remarked, “It is good to chase your dream when your parents can afford it and will give you their support.”
However, not everyone shares this positive view. “What happened to having fun in childhood? Going out and playing with your friends? It’s not the same when you are older,” one person commented, reflecting a more critical perspective.
Despite differing opinions, Lee’s journey continues to inspire many, showcasing the power of dedication and support in pursuing one’s passions.