Hume keeps racking up physique titles

IN A career-best run on this year’s bodybuilding circuit, Bendigo’s James Hume kept on racking up physique titles.

The 23-year-old has now won more than 30 titles across the past six years.

Latest show was the PCA event in Melbourne where he was the junior (under-23) and Overall Physique Mr Australia.

Hume’s drive for success was capped by being crowned the Natbod National Junior and Overall Classic Physique; OCB Supernatural Classic Physique Junior and Overall Mr Oceania; and NBA Classic Physique PRO Mr Australia in ’24.

The lead-up to an exhaustive run of natural bodybuilding shows included many hours training at Silverback Gym.

Although he has no coach or nutritionist, Hume’s physique wowed judges and fans.

“The adrenalin rush when on stage makes all the work worth it,” Hume said.

Born in Australia, Hume grew up in England.

“Hockey and rugby union were the two sports I played a lot,” he said. “Multiple concussions across two or three years put an end to contact sport.

“I could have kept playing, but doctors told me it would be dangerous to do so and I was also having some memory issues.”

It was then the focus turned to weight training.

“I had done some sessions in the gym for union,” he said.

“Being at the gym helped me so much, not just in building fitness and strength, but my mental health, too.”

His first bodybuilding show was at the age of 17 in the fitness model category. At 19 he won his first English title and the drive to compete was on.

Hume returned to Australia when he was 20 and a year later had his first pro bodybuilding card.

“Being in team sport was great, but as a bodybuilder it’s all about what I do,” he said. “If you are not working hard then the results won’t happen.”

Hume has competed in various categories, but it’s Classic Physique where he has excelled.

He may not be the biggest on stage, but so many factors are considered by judges. Symmetry is crucial.

Career highs include last year’s shows in the United States.

He was the youngest in Australia’s team and was runner-up at the World Cup in Los Angeles.

Hume was among 39 contenders in the pro classic physique show at Mr Olympia in Las Vegas.

“It was an incredible experience and I learnt so much,” he said.

“A goal is more national titles to qualify for next year’s World Cup and Mr Olympia.”

Away from the gym, Hume is a banking consultant for ANZ, and also works at Deck.

When at Silverback,. there’s plenty of dumbel curls, leg extensions, reps on the chest supported row, and more as Hume builds toward next season and beyond.

Sponsorship is also an area to tap into. Individuals or businesses able to provide some support for Hume can contact him via his Instagram handle, heftyhumey.

Hume is putting in time to help bodybuilding grow by playing a role in the Silverback Pro Classic in Bendigo next April.