Global Gossip

Shawn “Flexatron” Rhoden, 33 began bodybuilding in 1992. What has transpired since then has been nothing less than spectacular. In ‘92, Rhoden met former Mr. Universe Yohnnie Shambourger. Shambourger provided Rhoden with the building blocks to create one of the most sculpted, muscular physiques in the nation taking a 155lb frame and turning it into 260lbs (in the off season) of solid muscle.
Rhoden has accumulated wins in over 10 competitions including the 1997 East Coast Tournament of Champions. In July 1999, he took 2nd in the Jantana Classic’s Light Heavyweight Division and 3rd in the Light Heavyweight Division of his first NPC Team Universe Trial; took 2nd in the Light Heavyweight at the 2001 NPC Team Universe Trial and 2nd at the 2001 IFBB North American Bodybuilding Championship.  
Rhoden’s success has not come without several trials and tribulations. In 1993, the young athlete cut 9 tendons in his right hand and was told by doctors that he would never be able to write, use a hammer, or play piano, let alone lift heavy weights. In fact, he was told lifting weights could cause permanent damage. Rhoden persisted, built strength in his hand, and 14 months after the accident won the Natural Eastern Classic in New Jersey. Again, in January 1996, he was injured. While squatting over 500lbs at a mere bodyweight of 205lbs, he severely hurt his back causing him to take a year off and leaving his bodybuilding career in jeopardy. He began training on January 1, 1997 and once again his determination, desire and persistence paid off; he was on stage again on April 26, 1997 competing in the Mid Atlantic Natural Bodybuilding Championship in New Jersey. Having trained for only 4 months following a year long layoff, Rhoden placed 2nd in the Light Heavyweight Division and won the show’s best poser award.
Rhoden, who is Jamaican born, moved to the U.S. in 1990 and received his U.S. citizenship, enabling him to compete at a higher level. Although he could have competed in the Jamaican Nationals (the equivalent to the Team Universe he felt he would have had no competition). It has been evident throughout his young career; Rhoden has never taken the easy way out.
While preparing for the 2002 Nationals, Rhoden’s father became very ill. Rhoden once again put his bodybuilding career on the back burner to focus his attention on his ill father. Rhoden lost his father after a year of battling lung cancer. Rhoden was devastated; his father was one of his biggest supporters, always in the front row and cheering him on at all his shows. While taking on the grieving process, that really took a toll on Rhoden mentally and physically, Rhoden engrossed himself in learning more about the horrible disease that took his father’s young life.
Now, after 6 years Rhoden has stepped back into the gym doing what he loves most. It hasn’t been easy getting back into the routine of those 5am wake up calls to start the first meal, getting to the gym and giving it nothing less than a 100%. Rhoden is taking it one day, one work out at a time. Although Rhoden has been successful, he has still not reached his potential and anticipates on winning the 2009 NPC Nationals.