𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧

Tandin Wangchen, an accomplished professional in the domain of bodybuilding, has dedicated an impressive 23 years to perfecting his craft. Showcasing a remarkable array of national and international bodybuilding accolades, his recent pinnacle achievement involves clinching the coveted world champion gold in 2023. Holding the esteemed title of Mr. Bhutan three times at the national level, Tandin Wangchen is adorned with numerous accolades and acknowledgments, both on a national and global scale. Despite his remarkable achievements, he maintains a humble personality.

Q. Before we begin and talk about bodybuilding and aspect, On behalf of our team, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on securing the title! Can you share the emotions and thoughts that overwhelmed you when you held the recent championship?
A. Thank you, Bhutan Today for taking your time, bringing all the equipment, and taking time to have experiences with my bodybuilding career. So yes, thank you so much for your time.
Regarding the questions, last week in South Korea, we, Bhutan, participated in the 14th World Building Championship. A total of four of us athletes participated in the world championship, and from there, I won gold in my category, Classic Physique or Athletic Physique, 90 kg. The experiences that I felt were very diverse and very good, as we had to interact and compete with lots of countries and athletes around the world. From there, I won gold in my category. The experience of winning gold in the World Championship was one of the best feelings of my life.

Q. Is this your first gold medal at an international championship?
A. Yes, this represents my initial gold medal in international competitions, specifically at the World Championship. It signifies my first-ever international title.

Q. If we could talk about your childhood, what motivated you to pursue bodybuilding as a career? Looking back 23 years ago, how do you see your journey as a bodybuilder in Bhutan, winning numerous awards and recognition, not only nationally but internationally? Who were your inspirations?
A. Ever since I was young, during my primary school days and early teenage years, I was fascinated by movie stars with good physiques. Arnold Schwarzenegger was the one who really inspired me. He won many bodybuilding championships, seven times Mr. Olympia, and then transitioned to Hollywood movies, finally becoming the governor of California. I closely followed his life journey and was inspired by his humble background.

Q. How does an ideal day for Tandin Wangchen start? How do you start your days, and what do your training, nutrition, and diet look like?
A. Bodybuilding is a 24-hour commitment. From the moment I wake up, I focus on breakfast to clear my mind. I do morning prayers and water offerings, followed by a one-hour fasted cardio walk during the pre-contest period. I have four meals a day, including protein sources like chicken, eggs, beef, and fish, carbohydrates like rice, and healthy fats like olive oil. Water intake is crucial, and nutrient breakdown is important every 2-3 hours.

Q. It seems like you’re a very spiritual person. How has spirituality helped you in your bodybuilding career, especially in feeling refreshed and energetic during workouts?
A. I am a very religious and God-fearing person. I attribute 50% of my success to my spiritual lifestyle and 50% to my hard work. Spirituality helps me clear my mind and gain support for the successful completion of individual goals.

Q. Over the 15 years of competition, has there been a moment when you felt down or faced challenges? How did you overcome demotivation?
A. The struggle in our lives is not perfect, and we face challenges. During my 23 years of training and 15 years of competing, maintaining a diet and balancing family, business, and personal life have been difficult. It’s all about mind and commitment. Support from family, friends, and my spouse have always been crucial during tough times.

Q. How important has your friends, family, and coaches played in your life and career?
A. Support from family, friends, and coaches is essential. My wife, especially, has been very supportive, helping me with workouts, diet preparation, and even managing things backstage during competitions. Their support is crucial for a successful bodybuilder.

Q. Winning a World Championship would be one of your goals. How does it feel after winning the World Championships, and what are your goals and objectives going forward?
A. Winning the World Championship gold medal was overwhelming and a happy moment. I am currently enjoying the celebration and the foods I missed. This is my final competition, and I announced my retirement during the last Mr. Bhutan Championship in August. Winning a gold medal at the World Championship is like a dream come true, especially for a small country like Bhutan.

Q. Since you mentioned retirement, how do you envision your retired life? Do you plan to train people or motivate others?
A. Even though I retire from competitive bodybuilding, I won’t retire from working out. Training is my passion, and I plan to help people in different aspects of life, teaching them how to lead a healthy lifestyle, lose weight, and improve performance. My goal is to help others in various areas, particularly nutrition.

Q. Are you currently training people?
A. I love to train, and I was a personal trainer before. I have certifications in fitness training and nutrition.

Message:

Hard work, passion, and commitment are the main keys to success. Athletes in Bhutan, whether in bodybuilding, football, basketball, or boxing, need to focus on these aspects. Nutrition is a crucial part that often gets neglected. Proper training and a balanced diet can significantly improve performance. So, my message to all athletes is to focus on hard work, passion, commitment, and proper nutrition.