We’re a day late with this week’s Saturday Selfie, but there was a pretty good reason: yesterday, I was standing on stage at the 2026 Santa Cruz Pro in California.
I finished third in the Men’s Physique Open, behind Jason Huynh, who took first place, and Hossein Karimi, who finished second. It was a strong international lineup, with athletes coming to Santa Cruz from the United States, Italy, Iran, Algeria, Switzerland, Mexico, Brazil and other countries.
Of course, every time I compete, I step on stage wanting the best possible result. But bodybuilding is also about learning from every competition and continuing to improve.
Going into this show, I wanted to see how the changes we have been working on would look on stage, especially the improvements to my back and upper chest. Now I have another result, another experience and more information about what I can continue working on.
Third place at a professional competition is something I am proud of, but the work continues.
I have said many times that bodybuilding is ultimately you versus you. Each competition gives me another opportunity to compare myself with the athlete I was before and find the things I can make better for the next time.
Today, though, I’m taking a moment to appreciate this medal and everyone who supported me through another prep and another competition.
Thank you guys for being part of the journey. ❤️
And now we keep going. 💪