61-year-old Malayali bodybuilder becomes world champion in international competition

Kollam: Sure, 'age is just a number,' but the figure seems to be on a fast track to 'twilight' for many of us, thanks to unhealthy lifestyles. However, for 61-year-old S Suresh Kumar, age has never prevented fulfilling his dreams. The native of Thekkevila, who has won many bodybuilding competitions before, too, became a world champion in the Master's category for men above 60 years at the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship, recently held in Maldives. An ex-KSRTC employee who did double duties three days a week till his retirement, his road to glory is a story of passion.

Suresh Kumar used to work out in the gym twice a day for the remaining four days. He also kept taking part in Mr Kollam and Mr Kerala competitions. He was Mr Kollam for 15 consecutive years and Mr Kerala five times. He has also won the Mr India and runner-up position in the Mr Asia championship in 2022. He also won the top spot in the championship this year. After retirement, he focused more on bodybuilding.

The secret of his body
In an interview with Mazhavil Manorama a few years ago, Suresh revealed that he works out twice a day, for three hours each during the competition season. He completely avoids carbohydrates and eats only eggs and chicken thrice daily. The daily diet consists of around 40 egg whites and almost a kilo of boiled chicken, which only has ginger, pepper and turmeric powder as masala. Salt will also be avoided. For his daily diet during the off-season, he avoids excessive rice, oil, sugar, and salt and includes plenty of vegetables and fruits.
Interestingly, second place at the competition in the Maldives was also won by a Malayali—Ernakulam Angamaly native, Joseph Peter. Suresh Kumar, who retired from KSRTC in May 2020, works as a gym trainer now at Ashramam in Kollam.