Having overcome a serious disability Sham Singh Shera has become one of the world’s most famous bodybuilders. And he is coming to the UK to compete - for the first time ever.
Sham was diagnosed with Polio in his right leg at one-year-old, news which he found upsetting when growing up.
But far from letting this condition limit his life, he embarked on a daily training regime to strengthen his weaker leg and walk without the use of supports.
He has gone on to win several major national and international bodybuilding competitions including Mr India, Mr World (Wheel Chair) 2011 and the IFBB World Championship.
This led to medals, awards, celebrity recognition from Bollywood actor Salman Khan and the ability to open his own fitness centre – Shera Health Club – in Faridkot, India.
He is now set to compete at the BodyPower Fitness event at the Birmingham NEC on May 12-14.
Sham says: “When I was growing up and started to understand more about Polio affecting me I decided to do something positive with my life so people couldn’t limit me by my condition. I always looked up to my elder brother, who is an athlete and at 15, I started following his regime, avoiding walking supports and gradually turned the odds in my favour.
Along the way, I have experienced setbacks and difficulties. In 2011, I didn't have much money for my visa, tickets and accommodation for the Mr World competition in Spain. My parents sold many items and my father even sold his tractor and farming equipment so I could go. I won that competition – despite the Indian government not support me in any way.
I am, however, happy and grateful to BodyPower for supporting me to come to the UK for the first time – and to compete as an athlete - Thanks to them.” BodyPower CEO, Nick Orton, says: “At BodyPower, we strive to include all successful athletes in our events and
are proud to welcome all competitors, regardless of whether they are disabled or not.
All our athletes demonstrate the power of the human body to achieve spectacular levels of fitness – they are actively pushing the boundaries of the body’s power.
