Turning to bodybuilding has given Kevin new focus

FORMER Connacht and Corinthians rugby player Kevin Russell says that while the sport of bodybuilding did not save his life, it did give the Knocknacarra native direction at a time when he most needed it.

Recently crowned the All-Ireland Natural Bodybuilding Champion (U-80kg), the 24-year-old is candid about the role bodybuilding has played in his life and, indeed, when the interview steers towards the advantages sport has on mental health, he embraces what can be a sensitive subject.

Having gone through some “rough times” himself – in particular, failing second-year Commerce at NUI Galway and having to return to repeat the year – the former St. Pat’s Primary School and Jes’ Secondary School student found the whole experience extremely challenging.

“Each person has their Everest and college was mine. It was great to get through it. When I went back to second year that time, there was a lot of stuff going on and I started struggling big time with anxiety,” says full-time personal trainer Russell, who recently graduated with his Commerce degree from the University.

“For a period of time it consumed me and completely overwhelmed me. Stepping up on stage in my Speedos, people would say this guy doesn’t struggle with anxiety and confidence but there was a period when getting out of bed in the morning was a massive struggle. And I did struggle.

“I was just completely and utterly miserable. It was going through college – having to repeat second year – and I just didn’t see any real prospects. I didn’t see any positives in life for a period. I can’t say bodybuilding cured me – because it didn’t – but it did give me direction at a time in my life when I needed it.”

Sadly, there are a lot of people who will relate to Russell’s story but he highlights the support he received from family and friends, particularly when he embarked on his current sporting journey, had a major impact on him.

“That was a bit of a U-turn. 2013 was hands down the worst year of my life and we are now coming to the end of 2014 and, without doubt, it has been the best year of my life. This is why I wanted to say this.

“I know Galway – and Ireland in general – in terms of mental health is struggling with this issue at the moment. I lost a friend to suicide earlier on in the year as well. I suppose, what I would like all people to know, for a period I didn’t think there were any real positives or prospects to my life but that was a mental state. That was all it was.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.