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Power play: Neal Emms is aiming for bodybuilding glory Deadlinepix Osman Deen SP20622

Tooting bodybuilder Neal Emms hopes a Gladiator's guiding hand could help clear a path to becoming a national champion in seven months time, writes Chris Willsmer.

Emms, a self-employed electrician, is mentored by Damar Martins - also known as the Destroyer' in the cult TV show.

And the 33-year-old believes the confidence gained from working alongside the TV star after eight years in the sport, could take him to National Championship glory in Nottingham later this year.

"You never know with these shows - there could be three people turn up, maybe 12 or more, you never know," he said.

"It is not like boxing, where you can see your opponent before you fight them.

"In 2000, I decided I wanted to do shows, which was a learning curve because I was just 12-and-a-half stone, which isn't that much.

"I will be going into this one at about 16 stone, which makes a big difference. I knew I wasn't great before, but now I'm much more confident and I think I'm going to win."

Emms started lifting weights when he was 13 after being inspired by films such as Conan the Barbarian and Hollywood film action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger.

And he admits it is getting harder still to chase a dream of one day becoming a professional builder.

"I would love to compete at Nottingham, but you have to do well in a couple of shows first to raise your profile" he added.

"I would love to go professional, but it is hard because I have got my own company and sometimes I have to cancel jobs because I am knackered.

"The pros can choose when they sleep, plan their eating and gym plans better."

The Tooting iron pumper competed at the South East Area Bodybuilding finals in Hayes, on the back of 17 weeks of dieting and working out six days a week at Croydon's FX Gym.

"It is fun - it keeps you out of the pubs and gives you discipline. But when I am training I would often kill for some chocolate or a doughnut."

8:17am Sunday 11th May 2008

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