Richard Fender
Instagram: @ richardjfender
Categories: Mens Physique & Fitness Model
Hello Richard, thank you for joining us and sharing your story. Let’s dive in.
What motivates you to compete in bodybuilding?
I love the buzz I get after going on stage. The euphoria I experience after I’ve competed is something I’ve never felt before. Being able to create your own posing routine, then step on stage and show everyone the results of all your hard work in the gym—it’s so much fun. And for me, it’s very empowering, especially as I’m a bit of an introvert. Going on stage in front of a crowd was terrifying the first couple of times, but it’s built up my confidence massively. It keeps me motivated to improve my physique and stay consistent in the gym.
Can you share a significant moment from your fitness journey that stands out to you?
I know everyone says this, but it has to be getting my Pro Card. Receiving mine at my last show was a truly significant moment—it’s one of the biggest achievements of my life. It gave me the confidence to change my career direction, and I’ve now begun training to become a level 4 personal trainer. That day marked a shift in both my fitness journey and my life as a whole.
Who or what inspires you to keep pushing towards your goals?
Watching a really good posing routine by someone like Logan Franklin or Terrence Ruffin gives me a huge dose of inspiration. Their routines show what’s possible and motivate me to push my own creativity and presentation.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to compete in bodybuilding and/or Pure Elite?
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare your posing routines and really practice your mandatory poses for your category. By the time you reach prep week, you want to feel confident and relaxed about your routine. It will help you feel less stressed on show day, perform better on stage, and enjoy the whole experience much more.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your fitness journey, and how did you overcome it?
About 11 years ago, I was dealing with severe back pain due to poor posture and work-related strain. It was frustrating because it stopped me from training in the gym for quite a while. I had to make regular visits to the chiropractor to get it sorted, which eventually resolved the problem. I still go regularly to keep everything in check, especially with the physical demands of training.
Is this your first Pure Elite Pro Show?
Yes.
Is this your first time competing at the World Championships as a Pro?
Yes.
How does it feel preparing for your first time on the World stage?
At the moment, I’m not feeling too stressed about it because it’s my first time as a Pro. I’m just aiming to look better than I did last time, put on a really solid performance, and have a great time. If I win anything, it will be a bonus.
What has changed for you since earning your Pro Card — mentally, physically, or emotionally?
Honestly, it’s had a hugely positive effect on my mental health. I feel more confident, more optimistic about my future, and generally just happier. I now have a sense of direction, and I’m genuinely excited about the new career I’m launching into.
What part of your journey are you most proud of?
Everyone who knows me knows I’m a bit of a perfectionist and very critical of my routines, but I was genuinely proud of my Arnold pose in my Fitness Model routine back in May 2025. It’s such a beautiful pose and so easy to get wrong—but I worked hard at it, nailed it on stage, and it still makes me smile.
Give us a one-liner that sums up your mindset going into the World Championships.
An amazing sense of achievement and recognition of all my effort.
What lessons or experiences from past Worlds are you bringing into this prep?
While this will be my first time on the World stage, I’m bringing with me the lessons of patience, routine refinement, and staying calm under pressure. I’ve learned to trust my prep and focus on delivering a great performance, no matter what.
What’s different about your prep or mindset this time around?
Obviously, I’m always trying to improve my physique, but I’ve made noticeable gains in my shoulders, upper chest, back, and arms. I’ve also started planning my posing routines earlier so I have more time to perfect them. That’s helped me go into this prep with more confidence and less stress.
What would you tell yourself before your first Pro World Championships?
Go in with a clear head, stay calm, and enjoy every second of it. You’ve earned your place—now show them what you’ve got.
What titles and placings at the World Championships do you currently have?
This will be my first World Championships as a Pro.
What does being a Pure Elite Pro mean to you?
It means an amazing sense of achievement and recognition of all my effort. It’s a reminder that the hard work, dedication, and consistency have paid off.
What have you improved or changed since earning your Pro Card?
Aside from my physique improvements, I’ve started refining my posing routines much earlier and making sure every movement is polished. It’s made a real difference to how I feel on stage.
What drives you to keep showing up at your best?
The support and positive feedback I get from people around me—friends, family, and gym-goers—really motivates me. It’s confirmation that I’m on the right path, and it gives me the energy to keep pushing.
What advice would you give to athletes aiming for their Pro Card?
Focus on continually improving your physique, your posing routines, and your stage presence each time you compete. Show the judges you’re enjoying yourself and that you belong on that stage—and don’t forget to smile!
Any sponsors, coaches, or people you want to shout out?
My chiropractors Dr. Emily Crofts and Dr. Jonas Nygaard. Emily did an amazing job fixing my neck pain before my first ever show, and Jonas has helped me massively with tendonitis in my arm. Also, huge thanks to my mum and dad for all their support throughout my competing journey.
Any Pure Elite Pro you would like to compete against?
Viktor Sharmanov. He did really well at the last show where I competed against him. He’d be hard to beat—but I’m up for the challenge.
Thank you, Richard, for your inspiring words and energy. We can’t wait to see you bring that confidence and perfectionism to the World stage.
Stay tuned for more interviews as we follow our Pros on the Road to the Worlds.