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IFBB Pro Charlie Duca, who lives in Australia, takes the time to talk to Kevin Grech about his bodybuilding career
At what age did you start bodybuilding?
I started bodybuilding at the age of 18.
What inspired you to take on such a sport like bodybuilding?
Back then I had no idea about bodybuilding. A friend of mine convinced me to go with him to the gym one day to train with him. The next day I was so sore that it took me four months to convince myself to go back to the gym.
At which gyms have you trained in Malta?
I started at Kitcher’s Gym Marsa, now closed. Then after a few years I moved to JD’s Gym (Fgura) and later on I trained at Ta’ Qali national stadium. I also trained at Bertu’s Gym (Ghargur) for a while.
When did you start the sport seriously?
I got introduced to Frans Borg (Ir-Russu) when I joined Kitcher’s Gym who showed me how to train properly. I think I started to train seriously after I went to compete in my first Mr Universe in 1991. As soon as I saw the other bodybuilders, I knew I could beat them. I went back one year later and I placed fourth.
When did you decide to turn pro?
I have to give all credit to Joe Dimech (JD’s Gym). After I won the World Championship for the third time, I was in Malta for a holiday and went to visit Joe. He convinced me that I was wasting my time as an amateur and should turn pro.
What satisfaction do you get from the sport?
I love what I am doing. Bodybuilding is more of a lifestyle than a sport. Even after I stop competing I will still keep doing what I am doing today, train hard, eat healthy and take care of my appearance.
What do you think about steroids and how it is so related to the sport of bodybuilding?
Steroids are, like alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs, a big problem. The problem with steroids in bodybuilding is the same problem with steroids in any other sports. The better the performance on the field from the athletes, the more money is generated. Nowadays competitive sports are all about money, officials and federations tend to look the other way and pretend there is no problem in their sport as long as everything runs smoothly.
What type of diet do you go on before a competition, and for how long?
Normally I diet for 12 weeks, I follow a medium protein, medium carbohydrates and low fat diet.
What is your weight off-season and your competition weight?
At the moment I am 113kg, I should be around 115kg by October and then I diet down to 96-97kg for the competition.
How many times a day do you train and how many times per week?
I train two hours daily, six days a week. When I start dieting I do two sessions of 45 minutes of cardiovascular training a day.
What competitions do you have planned to take part in?
I am planning to compete in the Ironman and San Francisco Grand Prix in February and the Australian Grand Prix in March.
Is bodybuilding your only profession?
No I also work as a personal training, and a technical advisor with an Australian supplement company.
At what age do you plan to retire?
Don’t have any plans to retire yet.
Do you think Malta is a good country to get started in bodybuilding – do we have the right resources and trainers?
With the exception of a few cities like California and Las Vegas, Malta is as good as any other place to train and become competitive in bodybuilding.
Do you plan to visit Malta again?
I was in Malta in May last year. I have plans to be back next year.
You can find out more about Charlie Duca on www.charlieduca.com
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