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Michael Craven
It all began one special day in June of 2007. After months of the physical and mental hardship of contest preparation, Michael Craven got his first opportunity to step on stage at the June 23, OCB Cape Cod Spring Nationals. As he made his way out under the lights with the audience waiting in eager anticipation, all his fears and feelings of nervous doubt were instantly wiped away. The feeling was like none other he had ever experienced: an incredible rush of excitement and sense of achievement that he so desperately craved. And that was it; from that moment forward, Mike was hooked on competitive natural bodybuilding.
Though Michael has only been competing for two years now, his passion for health and performance stems from a much earlier time. Growing up, Mike was always into sports, particularly hockey and football. His passion for weightlifting began in his early teen years where he experimented with different training strategies and attempted to soak up as much knowledge of proper training and nutrition as possible. Mike's passion for health and exercise led him to Springfield College, where he graduated at the top of his class with a degree in Applied Exercise Science and a minor in nutrition.
Currently, Michael works as a Sports Performance coach at the Competitive Athlete Training Zone in Acton, Massachusetts. There, he shares his passion and knowledge with athletes of all ages seeking to improve athletic performance, as well as with everyday individuals who are simply looking to live healthier lives.
Michael lives in West Townsend, Massachusetts with his brother, Adam, and parents, Jim and Lisa. He is grateful for all the support his family has provided throughout the years, including that which they have provided during his recent journey into competitive natural bodybuilding.
Mike plans to continue his involvement in bodybuilding for many more years to come and aspires to one day compete at the professional level.
Competition History
2007
OCB Cape Cod Spring Nationals Novice Tall, 2nd Open Tall, 2nd
OCB Cape Cod Natural Novice Tall, 5th Open Middle-Tall, 7th
2008
OCB Spirit of America Novice Class B, 2nd Open Class D, 6th
OCB Judgment Day Novice, 1st Open Class 2, 3rd
OCB Cape Cod Natural Juniors, 3rd Open Class 5, 3rd
2009
OCB Spirit of America Juniors, 1st Open Middle, 1st
Fitness Atlantic Juniors, 3rd Open Welterweight, 1st |
It
was during his time at Springfield that Michael first decided to
pursue competitive bodybuilding. After being finished with
team sports midway through college, Michael decided that he needed
something else to train for. He still greatly enjoyed
weightlifting and the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, but needed
something to sharpen his focus; that something he turned to was
competitive bodybuilding. After his first show during the
summer of 07, Mike entered into several more competitions each year,
striving for continued improvement all along the way.
