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Police Officer Builds Second Life Through Bodybuilding, Aims to Inspire Seniors
🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

Police Officer Builds Second Life Through Bodybuilding, Aims to Inspire Seniors

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • A 59-year-old police team leader, Ahn Gwan-jong, achieved his dream of winning the 'Mr. Police' bodybuilding competition after a 2018 bucket list entry.
  • He began weight training in 2018 and won the 50s category in 2024, transforming his health and life after struggling with alcohol abuse.
  • Ahn plans to become a senior bodybuilding instructor after retiring next year, aiming to help older adults stay healthy and active.

Ahn Gwan-jong, a 59-year-old team leader at the Gimpo Airport Police Station Security Team, has realized a long-held dream, achieving first place in the 50s category at the 'Mr. Police' bodybuilding competition in 2024. This accomplishment stems from a bucket list item he created in 2018, marking a significant transformation in his life.

His journey began with weight training in 2018, driven by a desire for change after years of heavy drinking and a feeling of aimlessness as retirement approached. "I used to drink so much I was practically called an alcoholic. My once firm body deteriorated significantly," Ahn shared. He enrolled in college and set goals, including participating in 'Mr. Police' and creating a police calendar to support crime victims.

Everyone says 'I should do it someday,' but it's not easy to start right now. I want to help all seniors stay healthy and dignified until 100 by building and maintaining muscle after retirement.

— Ahn Gwan-jongExpressing his motivation to help older adults through fitness.

Despite setbacks, including a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 lockdowns, Ahn resumed training rigorously. He cut out alcohol in January 2023 and underwent intense workouts, including early morning cardio and evening weightlifting sessions. For the final two to three months, he worked with a professional trainer, meticulously managing his diet and practicing posing techniques.

I used to drink so much I was practically called an alcoholic. My once firm body deteriorated significantly.

— Ahn Gwan-jongDescribing his past struggles with alcohol and its impact on his health.

"At first, it was incredibly difficult and I lacked confidence. Unlike dynamic sports like taekwondo or special forces martial arts, weight training didn't produce as much sweat as I expected. It was a solitary battle against myself," Ahn recalled. He persevered, motivated by the thought of time being on his side and the desire to live a dignified life until 100.

His dedication paid off, not only with competition wins but also with a profound sense of accomplishment, confidence, and self-assurance. As he approaches retirement next year, Ahn plans to leverage his experience by becoming a senior bodybuilding instructor. He aims to guide older adults in building and maintaining muscle mass, ensuring they can live healthy and confident lives in their later years.

At first, it was incredibly difficult and I lacked confidence. It was a solitary battle against myself.

— Ahn Gwan-jongRecounting the challenges he faced during his bodybuilding training.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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