Physique bodybuilder Sam Andrews is set to make a return to the international stage. In 2014, he placed 2nd at the Arnold Classic in the Men's Physique. But this time he his chasing a qualifier to Mr Olympia as a pro.
Sam Andrews will travel to the Salt Lake City and the long white-sand beaches of San Diego to qualify for the Mr Olympia at Las Vegas in September.
Andrews, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāti Porou says, "We will be in the states in three weeks we just want to go a week earlier. It is me and my mate Dan, he will be supporting me over there."
It wasn't until after he competed at the NZIFBB Pro Am, he and his partner discussed future plans. The decision to continue his journey was a collective family choice.
Andrews says, "There hasn't been much time between these competitions coming up and the last Pro Am. So I had to keep tight basically and just try maintain my weight."
He believes that if he puts the effort into weightlifting the hard work will show on stage. But he wants to master the little things that will make him a better lifter.
Andrews says, "We are pushing hard and everyone is behind me, mum, dad and that. And I almost feel like the whole of Wellington is behind me."
This ultimate dream of his has been a long-time in coming to fruition. Sam wants to show his supporters if he can do it, so can they.
"It's a do or die thing, people are supporting me and I really got to pay them back with my efforts in the gym,” says Andrews.
A Givealittle page has been set up for donations to support his trip to America.