Fouad Abiad shares his Olympia experience
Interview by Leigh Hargrove

In only his 2nd year as a pro,  Canadian bodybuilder Fouad Abiad saw his dreams come true when he qualified for the O after earning a 3rd place at the Europa Super Show (see event coverage here) this past August.

We were able to catch up with Fouad after his time on the stage and find out how this year has changed everything for him.

After you read this interview, find out what it's like to share the stage with your heroes and compete in the Olympia for the first time ever – check out Fouad's latest blog post. It's a must-read for any competitor or wanna-be!

MMI: Please tell us about your year this season – what were the highs and what were the lows?

FA: This year was good for me as far as exposure goes.  I signed with MuscleMag and GASP as great additions to my contract with Muscletech.  I had a productive off-season gaining a solid five pounds from the previous year.  One of the lows of my year was my 7th place finish in Houston.  I went into that show really thinking I was going to do well only to be placed out of the top six.  The greatest part of my entire year was my 3rd place finish in Dallas at the Europa.  Not only because it qualified me for my first Olympia but also because I took third in a field of 51 competitors and really beat some big names.

MMI: Did you meet your goals this season?

FA: My only goal at the outset of this season was to place in the top three at any show and qualify for the Olympia.  When I achieved that goal I couldn't believe it and nothing in my career has ever felt better.

MMI: Are you pleased with your training this year? Would you have done anything differently? If so, what would that be?

FA: I am pleased with the progress I made this year in all aspects of my career.  My endorsement deals have all lined up the way I wanted and have allowed me to excel in the sport.  Without Muscletech, MuscleMag and GASP I could not have done any of these shows.  I think I have really learned how to market myself better as I have been keeping up to date with my website, my facebook page, my myspace page, my online nutritional business (Platinum Nutrition) and finally my blog which has received great feedback from many people from different walks of life.

Physically, I couldn't have asked for more.  I gained weight in the off-season, I moved up in placing from show to show placing 7th, 5th and finally 3rd, peaking for all four shows.  I think I proved to myself that I could do the work when it came down to it and that will give me the confidence in the years to come to be able to do whatever I want with my career.

MMI: How has your training differed from other  years?

FA: This year I learned to take more rest in the off-season.  For a few months out of my last off-season I only trained four days a week which is something I have never done.  I really believe that the added rest allowed my body to grow and get into the next tier of bodybuilders.  I think this year I will try the same thing unless advised otherwise.

MMI: You did several competitions thisyear. Was it more than you're used to? What things did you discover this year about your training and resting between comps?

FA: I have never done the amount of work that I did this year.  I usually get ready for one set of shows usually only dieting for 10 weeks out of the year.  This year I did four shows and many photo shoots, something I have never done before.  On the positive side like I said above, I learned that I can do the work when push comes to shove – which is important for me to know about myself.  On the negative side I learned that it is something that is not to be done again because many other facets of my life suffered because of such a long dieting period.  My friendships, relationship and family life suffered not to mention dieting for such an extended period of time is hard on the bankbook.  Needless to say in the years to come I will have a better plan from the outset.

MMI: What was the toughest thing for you in regards to your training this year?

FA: The toughest thing about training this year was not being able to really enjoy any of the successes I had because I was so busy.  I was happy with my placings at shows, happy traveling around and excited about many firsts – like my first cover and first Olympia.  The problem was I was so busy I had no time to really sit and reflect and enjoy the fact that I was living my dream.  Physically it was okay, it was more of a mental battle than anything.

MMI: What's next for you (future goals/competitions/life)?

FA: I only took two days off after the Olympia and I have already begun my off-season training and preparations for the '09 season.  My goals for '09 are to win a small show which I know is ambitious because many pros go their whole careers without winning a show.  My other goal for '09 is to place inside the top ten at the '09 Olympia.  I feel like I am always improving and I have achieved all the goals I have set my mind to and this year will be no different.  I will train my hardest and do my best to make my words count.

As for life, I just want to be happy.  I would like to be a better friend, boyfriend, brother, son, employee and whatever else I am in life.  I would like to improve at living life and bodybuilding at the same time.

MMI: Best thing about competing in this year's Olympia?

FA: The greatest thing about being at the Olympia this year is a toss up.  Standing on the O stage and posing in front of 5000 to 10000 people was such an incredible feeling.  It was nerve racking and completely exhilarating (sp) all in one.  The second part which cannot be replaced ever was the treatment I was given from the Olympia committee, the fans and last but not least the other competitors who treated me like I belonged and included me as one of them.  I still have pics of some of these guys on my fridge!...lol.

You can keep up with Fouad by reading his column in MuscleMag each month.