Scott Blackman

Name : Scott Blackman
Current Residence : Mareeba, Queensland - Australia
Birthday : April 12, 1975
Birthplace : Mareeba, Queensland - Australia
Disability : Friedreich's Ataxia
Injury Date : Birth
Type of Injury : Friedreich's Ataxia
Contest Weight : 134.2 lbs | 61 kg
Off-Season Weight : 151.8 lbs | 69 kg
Year Started Training : 1987
Favorite Exercise : Chin ups and laying Triceps Extensions
Favorite Bodypart to Train : Back and Triceps
Facebook: : https://www.facebook.com/TheScottBlackman

Biography

My name is Scott Blackman I was born with Friedreich’s Ataxia.

Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) is a rare recessive genetic (inherited) condition of the nervous system and muscles.

Back 1987 I started weights as way to help combat my FA. Then in 1988 spinal fusion (which broke in intensive care), and a few removal and repair surgery in 1989 and 1990. I was working in various gyms from 1991 till 1997.

Back in 1994 one night at work a group of clients were looking at a poster, for an upcoming competition. One said to me “Scott, you’ll never be able to compete”. So I entered the competition, not expecting to win or even get a place, as I was competing against normal abled bodied people. I just wanted to prove a point I can do it too.

After the World Gym Physic I was happy that I proved my point. For the following two weeks, I received numerous phone calls asking me to compete in the IFBB North Queensland Championship. But I said “I have already proved my point and was happy.” However I did decide to agree to compete again, to encourage other people with a disability, showing that there is an extra purpose rather than just “part of rehab” or “staying fit”.

In the lead up to the competition (the days prior) I found out that there was no actual category for another fellow disabled competitor and me to compete in the IFBB North Queensland Championship. We were advised that as there was and that we would only be able to do a “guest posing appearance”. I immediately contacted the other competitor via his gym to let him know, he then pursued other options. The result of his pursuit was that a class was finally introduced for us to compete in.

In late December of 2005, I was diagnosed as being Type 2 Diabetic requiring insulin. Being a diabetic has made my training and diet harder but not impossible.

When I completed my various Business Certificates and University Degree in Computer Science in 2009 I treated myself to a bungee jump which has led to my having a taste for extreme sports (skydiving and wheelchair bungee jumping). I would like to continue adding to this list.

Since December 2011 I have been in training for upcoming competitions. I train between two to three days a week at home with Colin Langton (training partner) or Carl Marino (training partner) and three times a week at Essential Fitness with Grahame Barker (Personal trainer and training partner) and Colin Langton (training partner).

“Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be.”

Q&A'S

What happened? Why are you in the Wheelchair?
I was born with Friedreich's Ataxia.
Why did you get started?
I started weights as a form of physio therapy my FA.
What made you want to become a Wheelchair Bodybuilder?
I just wanted to prove a point I can do it too. After being I can't.
How did you go about doing it?
Train hard, rest hard and good diet.
What motivates you?
To inspire others to achieve and, or simply just bettering themselves. Also my friends and my family, play a part
Do you have any suggestions or tips for others?
"Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be."