Proud Grandmother

Sue and I watched a Livestream on her computer as her 28-year-old grandson become the Oregon champion overall bodybuilder. This has been his goal since he was 16, and today, after twelve years of gym training, focus, effort, and self-discipline, he achieved his dream. We beam with happiness and pride for him. 

We both know very little about bodybuilding—how the winners are chosen, what the markers of success are. Sue knows that Dillon (second from left in the main photo) had to dehydrate himself, starve and gorge alternately, practice more hours than either of us can imagine, and pretty much forget about social life for years. His partner, a physical trainer, cooked for him, encouraged him, and believed in him. His father, a physical trainer but not a bodybuilder, guided and supported him, as did his mom and the rest of the family. Sue was making phone photos to send to her siblings and their partners as the program progressed.

I was touched by the humility of Dillon’s gestures when he won. Others would pump their fists or pound their chests, but Dillon bowed respectfully to the judges, his family, and the audience. Each of the final contestants was the best in his weight group, and Dillon was judged best of the best. 

Dillon’s next dream is to run his own gym and train others to strengthen and sculpt their bodies. This achievement is bound to advance that dream as well.