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The Most Inspirational Bodybuilder I Have Ever Met - part 1

Tom Venuto

Nino Savona is a man on a mission: To prove to himself and others that the crutches he’s walked with since he was eight years old cannot stop him from doing anything he wants to do – even training and competing in bodybuilding - and to inspire and motivate a lot of other people along the way.

When I sat in the audience watching Nino’s posing routine at the 2006 National Physique Committee (NPC) Dutchess Classic bodybuilding championships in Poughkeepsie, New York earlier this year, I knew that Nino had already started fulfilling his mission. Not only did his physique look amazing by any standard, he also inspired an entire auditorium full of bodybuilding fans to the point of applause, tears and standing ovation.

As Nino accepted his trophies, I was deeply moved, impressed and inspired, and I’m certain that a lot of other people were also inspired and began to question their own excuses and doubt their own limits that night.

Nino Savona… No Excuses… No Limits!

Nino’s Upbringing

Nino was born in Schenectady, New York on June 28th, 1970. He was a normal healthy boy in a loving, close knit Italian family, with a mom who loved to cook! When he was eight years old, Nino’s family decided it would be wise to get corrective surgery for his legs, which were slightly turned in from birth (Nino was born prematurely). Unfortunately, that was the decision that changed the course of Nino’s life forever.

The surgery turned his feet out too far and left him with limited use of his legs and dependence on crutches to walk. At the time, Nino’s friends, family and those who loved him the most were very over-protective. Their misconception was that because Nino walked on crutches, he could not do things by himself. He proved them all wrong.

Around the age of 13, Nino blew up to almost 240 pounds as a result of living such a sheltered life and not doing much of anything other than sitting around and watching television. One day he made the decision that this type of lifestyle was not acceptable to him. Rather than wallowing in self pity or getting involved in drinking or drugs as so many of his teenage peers did, he started working out and changing his eating habits. Once he had set his mind to adopt a healthy way of life, he never looked back.

Taking On The Bodybuilding Challenge

Nino’s interest in health and fitness began when he decided to lose the weight he had gained as a young teenager. He got so interested in fitness that he even became a personal trainer. In 2002, he decided to challenge himself in a different and greater way by training for and competing in a bodybuilding competition: the International Natural Bodybuilding Federation (INBF) Northeast Bodybuilding Championships.

At a body weight of 150 pounds, he still called himself a little “chubby,” but he said that his first competition wasn’t about the type of shape he was in; his first competition was simply about getting up on stage and doing it just to prove that it could be done. He wanted to show through his actions that just because someone has to walk with crutches, doesn’t mean that they are unable to achieve top physical condition or that they are weaker – in body or spirit - than a non-disabled person.

As Nino’s trainer Vanessa Cambria said, “If you take the time to look beyond someone’s physical appearance, you might find out that true strength comes from someone’s soul, not just the body that stands in front of you.”

After his first competition, Nino admitted, “I knew I wasn’t in my best condition – I did that first show just for the experience. I always wanted to do one show, just to prove that I could do it and see what would happen. After I did it, people said they couldn’t believe I actually went through with it!” Then he added, “I do a lot of amazing things that even make ME say to MYSELF, how did I do that?”

Walt Disney once quipped, “It’s kind of fun doing the impossible.”

After his first competition, Nino could relate to that… It was a major part of what motivated him: “I like to do what other people think I can’t do!”

“Always use the word impossible with the greatest caution!”

Nino was pleased that he had done what everyone said was impossible, but he was not satisfied. After one bodybuilding competition, Nino was hooked and developed an insatiable desire to see how much more he could improve. He continued his competitive streak with competitions in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Then, he set his sights on a bigger goal for 2006: entering an open competition in the NPC.

The quest for an all time best

In October of 2005, Nino met personal trainer Vanessa Cambria when they were introduced to each other at the health club where they both trained. After they connected for the first time, a special type of bond was formed, and Vanessa agreed to train Nino for a June 2006 competition.

This time, for his 5th show, it was more than getting onstage for the experience or just for fun, it was about “doing it right.” Nino’s goal was not only to achieve his lifetime best condition, but to gain as much muscle as possible, come in “ripped” and hit a perfect contest peak, which is what all competitive bodybuilders strive for.

From October 2005 through June 2006, Nino trained his heart out and dieted with absolute focus for that one big day.

In May 2006, I received a phone call from Mark Cambria, a long time friend, fellow bodybuilder (and Vanessa’s husband). For about 10 minutes, I listened with rapt attention as Mark raved and raved about Nino Savona, this “amazing guy” that his wife was training, who I “simply HAD to meet.”

Mark told me that despite a physical “disability,” Nino had become a competitive bodybuilder, developed a tremendous physique, and was just weeks away from competing in an NPC competition in the best shape of his life. He promised me that I wouldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him.

Mark explained that Vanessa had spent the last six months training Nino and that he had been helping Nino with his competition diet – with great success. He invited and urged me to come to Poughkeepsie to see the show and meet Nino in person. After hearing Mark speak so enthusiastically about Nino, I didn’t need any more convincing - there was no way I was going to miss it!

Competition day

Bodybuilding competitions are “prejudged” in the morning. The contestants are compared to one another in a lineup for “symmetry” and in seven compulsory poses. All the weight class winners are chosen at the morning prejudging. The evening show is mostly for the fans and the awards presentation. At night, each competitor performs an individual posing routine to music. The trophy winners for each class are announced after the individual routines and then at the end of the night, the overall winner is selected.

Nino Savona Makes His Way Onstage
As Trainer Vanessa Cambria Cheers Him On

When the competition day arrived, I drove up to Poughkeepsie for the evening show. When I got there, the auditorium was packed from front to back with enthusiastic bodybuilding fans. Immediately I saw Mark up in the front rows waving me down. I made my way up front and joined Mark and Vanessa and that’s when I met Nino for the first time.

Mark introduced me to Nino and I was immediately struck with Nino’s “can-do” positive attitude and positive energy. I was also immediately impressed with his physique! I have to admit, having not seen any photos of Nino prior to that evening, I did have some preconceived notions.

There’s No Substitute For Having
A Great Support Team To Watch Your Back

I’ve met wheelchair athletes before, so I had no doubt that someone who had to work around a disability could develop a “good” physique, but when I met Nino in person, what I saw was a GREAT physique! I couldn’t help but notice the awesome set of biceps popping out his shirtsleeves!

After chatting for a while with Nino, Mark and Vanessa, and after watching some of the first competitors do their routines, Nino made his way back stage to start pumping up. I sat on the edge of my seat, as the contestants from each division went through their posing routines. Finally, it was time and the MC announced #23, Nino Savona.

First, I saw Vanessa walk out and place a stool at center stage where she waited for Nino. Nino strolled out confidently, took a seat and Vanessa walked offstage. As Nino’s song “Right Now,” by Van Halen began to play, Nino struck a most muscular pose and the whole auditorium erupted in a huge roar of cheers, whistles and applause.

Nino Displays A Side Pose

Nino spun his chair to the right and started hitting left side poses, showing outstanding chest, shoulders, biceps and triceps muscles.

Then he spun to the rear and hit his back double biceps and lat spread poses. He was looking good from every angle! He spun again and flexed for his right side poses and then turned a final time to face the front.

Nino Spins and Hits A Back And Bicep Shot!

Amidst the cheers of the crowd, I heard Mark shout out, “Stand up Nino!” As Nino stood up from his chair to hit his final poses, the entire auditorium stood up with him. This was definitely one of those “goose bumps moments,” and for some, a teary-eyed moment.

That standing ovation – the only one of the evening, and a rare occurrence at bodybuilding contests - was probably a greater feeling of reward for Nino than any of the trophies he ever won.

Scorecards Didn’t Matter
Nino Defintely Won The Crowd

The Results

There are some NPC bodybuilding competition promoters who sponsor wheelchair divisions, where only the upper body is displayed and judged, but amazingly, Nino had long before contest day decided to compete with everyone else.

Nino placed 4th in the men’s division, but if the class were judged on upper body alone, he certainly would have had a shot at top honors.

Nino Accepts His Trophy…
(The Statue, That Is!)

For Nino, this wasn’t about where he placed. He was competing with himself, while at the same time making a statement and setting an example.

After he received his award, they brought Nino back out onstage to accept another trophy – for first place! Much to Nino’s surprise, the contest promoters had created a special division just for him. And their thoughtfulness didn’t stop there either…

The special guest poser for the evening was David “Jumbo” Palumbo, who is well known for being one of the most massive top amateurs on the NPC bodybuilding circuit (He is HUGE!)

When David finished his solo posing routine, they pulled Nino backstage again, and then led Nino onstage to “pose down” with Palumbo.

You don’t see a pose-down like this every day…

The MC egged on the audience and asked by show of applause, to vote for their favorite. “Jumbo Palumbo” may have been 120 pounds bigger, but the applause-meter indicated that Nino won as crowd favorite!

It was quite a show and kudos go to Steve Stone and the other promoters and expeditors of the NPC Duchess Classic for being a class act.

“Jumbo” Palumbo Congratulates The Champ!
(Sorry Big Dave, The Applause-Meter Said Nino Won!)

Nino’s Motivation

Training and dieting for bodybuilding is difficult, tiring, time-consuming and grueling hard work. It requires discipline, determination, willpower and inner strength - and that’s if you’re healthy and able-bodied. When you look at what Nino had to do to make it onto the contest stage, his achievement takes on nothing less than an “other-worldly” dimension.

Backstage after the show, I had the opportunity to speak with Nino about his training and diet, and I was especially interested in what motivated him to persevere through what appeared to be great hardships.

When I asked him what drives him to do this, he said, “I just think back to before I competed in my first competition when I was told by people that it was impossible.”

When I asked him what else motivates him to do this, he simply looked up, pointed up and said, “Him.” Nino’s faith in God gives him the confidence to know that he has a purpose and mission for being here on Earth.

There’s a saying that when God wants to give you a gift, he wraps it up in a problem, and the bigger the problem, the bigger the gift. Nino believes that his challenges make it possible to be a special kind of role model and example to others. He sees his condition as a gift and bodybuilding and fitness training are his pathway to carry out his mission.

He is reminded of his mission every time he wakes up and steps out of his bed in the morning, every time he falls, every time he showers, gets into a car, climbs a flight of stairs or ties his shoes…

continued In Part two

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Nino Savona lives in Clifton Park, New York. He can be reached online at www.ninosmission.com and by email at nino@ninosmission.com or ASAVONA1@nycap.rr.com

Vanessa Cambria, Nino’s trainer, lives with her husband Mark and their two boys, in Saratoga county, about 30 minutes North of Albany, New York. She is a health and fitness consultant to individuals and corporations and she trains clients one on one in her studio and in their homes throughout the capital region. She can be reached by email at info@wellbalancedtraining.com, on the web at www.wellbalancedtraining.com or by telephone at 518-859-5858

Tom Venuto is a competitive bodybuilder, freelance writer and publisher of numerous fitness-related websites, including the Internet’s premier fat loss support community: www.BurnTheFatInnerCircle.com. You can reach Tom online at www.tomvenuto.com

Click Here to continue reading part two

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Published on 17 November, 2006

Comments

Marc David said:

Tom,

I've read over Nino's story SEVERAL times and I have to admit he inspires me a lot as well. In fact, I've followed your workouts before and I think Nino's bicep routine is pretty wicked!

What I like best is that Nino isn't making excuses. In fact, he's not making any at all.

He's not genetically gifted, or an extreme athlete or is a food fanatic.

He's an average guy with an above average desire and passion to succeed.

That is what makes him different from all the rest.

If Nino can do it, so can I!

Honestly, I have no excuses either and I'll be reminded of that because of Nino's Mission.

Thank you for letting me know about this inspirational bodybuilder that is an positive asset to the sport of bodybuilding.

Kudos to you Nino! You deserve it. :-)

Posted on Nov 17, 2006 11:32 PM

Marc David said:

Almost forgot!

A Nino Savona Podcast

I hope it reaches his ears.

Keep working out hard bud.

Posted on Nov 20, 2006 12:46 AM

Colette said:

Dear Tom,

This is a TRULY INSPIRING story about Nino!!! .... WeLL Done & my hat really goes off for You, Nino.
As a Type 1 insulin dependant diabetic i know what it take to put in that extra effort to achieve a physical goal....
but man, YOU SURE ARE SOMEONE TO LOOK UP TO, And INSPIRED me TO NEVER STOP BELIEVING AND KEEP ON DREAMING... we SHall always be receiving, my Friend*

Keep Your Head High & Well Done Again!!!

regards,
Colette *

(Ps. ThankYou, Tom, for publishing this in your newsletters!!! :-)

Posted on Dec 02, 2006 04:59 AM

Buying steroids said:

He should be a model for many youngsters, his determination and commitment proved that anything is possible. Good for you Nino and by the way, you are looking great!

Posted on Apr 03, 2009 02:33 PM

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