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Marc Monaco – From Athletic To Bodybuilding

In a remarkable journey to bodybuilding excellence, Marc Monaco has not only earned accolades but also redefined his own limits. Following his recent triumph at the IPL Arizona Championship, securing Pro Cards in both Bodybuilding Open and Masters, Monaco reflects on his transformative path. From conquering multiple titles in the Athletic and Sports Model divisions to embracing the challenge of Bodybuilding. His commitment to pushing boundaries further revealed through serving as Head Judge at the IPL Virginia Championship, then competitor in Arizona, just one week later. An undeniable demonstration of versatility and determination. As Monaco sets his sights on new horizons within the sport, his journey stands as a testament to unwavering passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN YOSEF

“… A HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR ME AND A LONG-TIME GOAL. SOMETHING I DON’T THINK I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE A FEW YEARS AGO.”

ATHLETIC MAGAZINE: Congratulations on your recent achievements at the IPL Arizona Championship! How does it feel to have earned Pro Cards in both Bodybuilding Open and Masters?
MARC MONACO: Thank you! Earning my Pro Cards in Bodybuilding was a huge accomplishment for me and a long-time goal. Something I don’t think I would have been able to achieve a few years ago. Earning these Pro Cards is proof to myself that I can accomplish anything when I put all of my efforts and determination into a project!
AM: You came into the Arizona Championship already having achieved so much success on the IPL stage, including earning five Pro titles across the Athletic and Sports Model divisions. What made you want to try your hand at a new division, Bodybuilding?
MM: Challenging myself has always been a “driving force” in my athletic career as an adult, in all sports. I like to shoot for challenges that scare me because they motivate me! After attaining the Pro Cards and pro titles in the Athletic and Sports Model divisions, I felt like I had “unfinished business” to accomplish. The more I judged the Bodybuilding divisions, the more I became consumed to return to stage to accomplish one final goal of mine! I never want to go through life with the regret of wondering if I “should’ve” or could’ve.” After two years of building and improving my physique, I felt it was time to test myself.

“…I DIDN’T EVEN THINK TWICE ABOUT THE TRAVEL TO VIRGINIA A WEEK PRIOR TO MY OWN SHOW! ALL MY PHYSIQUE PEERS THOUGHT I WAS ‘CRAZY’…”

AM: Serving as Head Judge at the IPL Virginia Championship and then competing in Arizona a week later showcases your versatility. How did you prepare mentally and physically for such demanding roles back-to-back?
MM: I’ve been known to “put a lot on my plate” at once in all aspects of my life! Truthfully, I didn’t even think twice about the travel to Virginia a week prior to my own show! All of my physique peers thought I was “crazy” for traveling so close to my own show because of the demands on my body, the amount of food I had to bring with me for my prep, and the fact I was actually mid-way through a water load! My coach, Jamie was worried how my body would respond to the flight and time change from Arizona to Virginia, and back. Luckily, she prepared my meals in bulk so it would be convenient for me. I was able to make it through and my body responded nicely, although the water load was challenging since I had to find a restroom so many times during the trip!
AM: “The Real IPL” reality series highlighted your journey to the Arizona Championship Bodybuilding stage in episodes 15 & 16. What was it like being the star of those episodes?
MM: First, I was truly honored to be featured on the reality show. I have made appearances on the show in the past as Head Judge, but never thought I would be the main attraction for the show! The experience was great. I was happy to share a weekend into my life during my show prep, and I was excited to involve all three of my kids into the project because after all, they are my driving force and motivation! Also, I was excited to include my passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu into one of the episodes while teaching a class. All in all, it was an incredible experience!

"THIS LEAGUE TRULY GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND TO RECOGNIZE ITS ATHLETES AND CELEBRATE THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS!"

AM: Being presented with a Star Plaque at the IPL Arizona Championship must have been a special moment. Could you tell us more about what that recognition means to you personally and professionally?
MM: Receiving that plaque on stage was completely unexpected and a true honor! I was actually laying backstage, resting with my legs up when the expeditors told me that I was needed onstage! I hadn’t competed yet, and I didn’t want to run onstage with just my posing suit, so I quickly got dressed and hurried onstage to receive the award. Of course, the crowd was waiting on me, so I was holding up the event! But all kidding aside, it was incredible to be recognized for my involvement in the reality series, and I am very grateful. This league truly goes above and beyond to recognize its athletes and celebrate their achievements!
AM: How did you feel placing 2nd to Steven Kendrick in your Pro Debuts in both Open and Masters in Arizona? What lessons did you learn from those experiences, and how do you plan to leverage them moving forward?
MM: I was obviously excited to win both my Pro Cards in Bodybuilding Masters and Open, and it was a true honor to compete against Steven at the same show in my Pro Debut! I really look up to him as a competitor and as a genuine person. When I first set this goal for myself, my vision was to win those Pro Cards and compete against Steven. I wanted to go against the top guy in the league, the very best! I wanted the challenge, and I also wanted to challenge him. Honestly, I didn’t know how I would fare against him until I saw how drastically my physique improved over the final couple weeks of prep. I knew it was going to be a battle if I made it onstage against him, and no matter the result, I wanted to give the crowd a show and also be competitive, win or lose. I think we pushed each other hard, and we actually developed a friendship during the prep. I think we both knew it was going to be him and I against one another, and that motivated us both. There was no shame in placing 2nd to Steven. Like I stated earlier, he’s a great athlete and incredible human being. Not to mention, his legs are massive, something I need to work towards in my physique!

"I WANTED TO GO AGAINST THE TOP GUY IN THE LEAGUE, THE VERY BEST! I WANTED THE CHALLENGE, AND I ALSO WANTED TO CHALLENGE HIM."

AM: Looking ahead, what are your next goals and aspirations within the IPL and the sport?
MM: That’s actually a great question! I really don’t know when or if I will return to stage as a competitor. As of now, I’m very happy and content with all I have achieved in the sport! If I do return, it will definitely be in the Bodybuilding division. Although I enjoyed success in the Athletic and Sports Model divisions, I feel I’ve exceeded my goals and expectations in those. Bodybuilding allows me to show more of my strengths, such as my lat spread and most muscular poses! I’m not retired, but I’m not committed to any future shows yet.
     My immediate goal is to resume my spot as Head Judge for the upcoming shows this season. I’m looking forward to Alaska, Florida, and of course Phoenix. And shows that we have not even announced yet! I’m excited for those challenges alone. In addition, I really enjoyed coaching a few competitors with posing, so that is another opportunity I would like to grow and help athletes within this sport.

“…IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN BECOME IT! DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO DISCOURAGE YOU OR KEEP YOU FROM YOUR GOALS…”

AM: Any final thoughts for this issue of ATHLETIC Magazine?
MM: As always, I want to thank Ben Yosef and the IPL for their continued support in my fitness journey, and the fitness journeys of all of its league athletes. Thank you to Jamie, my nutrition coach for this show, for helping me to bring my best package to stage. Thanks to my boys for always being my inspiration. And most of all, thank God for allowing me to achieve success through the tools and gifts He has given me. Remember, if you can dream it, you can become it! Do not allow anyone to discourage you or keep you from your goals if you truly want to accomplish them! ATHLETIC

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