Athy Lee, the 14-year-old bodybuilder who wants to go professional

Is 14 too young to be hitting the gym seriously? Not for Singaporean student Athanasius, or Athy Lee, who began weightlifting at 12 and aspires to be a professional bodybuilder and content creator. He tells CNA how bodybuilding has changed his life.
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[@Fairfax-pz1jn]

Dammn, I always see him in ig reels, didn’t expect him to make it this far, at the age of 14 too, bro, we are hella prod of you Lee

[@rinky_dinky]

I actually was waiting for him to be featured , he is a rare gem because he is so focused and passionate about something at his age

[@petemorbius3936]

what far? nth much to show

[@BytesizedL]

bro just need to focus on studies first tbh..

[@mugi1571]

@@petemorbius3936do your mommy and daddy give u permission to use the youtube comments section?

[@petemorbius3936]

@@mugi1571 what about yours? your lancau cant stand? hahahaha

[@RS-rj2dg]

so beautiful to see his parents are so kind and supportive, instead of forcing him to study when he found his passion

[@yj7670]

Tbh, this kid born as a rich family kid, so nvm

[@JalomMatia]

it's actually unhealthy do bodybuild at that age, and will have long-lasting harmful effects. so not very good parenting

[@alastairpearce8278]

What? Most adults are unhealthy, they don't do any exercise​@@JalomMatia

[@JalomMatia]

@@alastairpearce8278 what does that have to do with him? exercising is important for teens, but excessive heavy weight lifting at that age has negative long-term effects.

[@reinster8746]

@@JalomMatia Like what?

[@tgeh448]

Keep it up bro! We are all behind you. Great to see a young person committed.

[@shreyaaspatil]

my parents always stopped me from lifting in my early teens and barred me from it, i wish i had this guys parents who are supportive

[@dinow8180]

same bro, my parents not support me , she always angry to me because of weight lifting

[@DaddyDubs]

Your lucky you have parents like that , body building has no age limit, its sad this kid is exposed to body building at a very young age , it will soon reach the darker stage at a very young age

[@Soldierofmyself]

@@DaddyDubs EXACTLY. Bodybuilding is stupid when you do it for competition, you have to drug yourself in order to win and being good accomplishes nothing. Everything is based on opinions and opinions don't matter in life

[@TheWipal]

if u weight lift too early you stunt your height lmfao.

[@bomberist]

@@TheWipal lmfao there is 0 scientific evidence to prove that statement

[@neloangelo__13]

Lil guy gonna be a beast once his T kicks in a few years. May you stay healthy and injury free 💪💪

[@Roy_100Malaeb]

thanks G.

[@1astralsty]

what happens when the Tax hits?

[@neloangelo__13]

@@1astralsty lmao pay up

[@vulcanfan1482]

@@1astralsty testosterone

[@AmTpGaMt]

From Instagram to CNA, man is going places. I'm glad I was lucky enough to see the start of his journey, stoked to see how far his potential brings him

[@Chew81]

My goodness. There was a phase in my life when I was a gymrat. I was also 14. But it was the early 1990s and in those days, NO teenage boy goes to the gym. At 15, bros in the gym thought I was in the army, and the caretaker at the Kallang Stadium gym then, the Olympics Silver medallist for powerlifting, a Mr Tan Howe Liang, wanted to train me as a powerlifter because he saw me dedicated and a regular gym goer. Lol. I politely refused and told him I wanted to have a sculpted and lean physique, not a stocky one. That was so long ago, and really, we were a lot more innocent or naive back then. These days, anabolic steroids is so bloody easily to get. One wrong decision and it will destroy your life. Don't focus on the physical appearance. Focus on your performance and your health. Get stronger, more powerful, more agile, faster, etc. Focus on being functionally fit. The physique tends to follow as a side effect. In that way, you will not fall into the temptation of wanting to look a certain way for its own sake. That would often mean to try out 'gear', ie gym lingo for performance enhancing drugs, because you may be impatient, struggling to recover and rejuvenate quickly, etc. Even older men are not exempt from the temptation. I am in my middle age now and recovery gets longer, and I tend to get injured more easily if I push myself too much. One of my sons can be in a three hour ball game and then a two hour blitz of calisthenics and still recover quickly enough to repeat the same thing the next day. If I were to just do an hour of calisthenics, and by calisthenics I mean bodyweight exercises in strict form, I would be sore the next day, regardless of how conditioned I am. Reach past a certain age we can no longer recover as quickly and we have to rest more. Now, the temptation would be to take gear. Anaoblics actually boost your body's ability to recover and rejuvenate much faster than our natural free testosterone. Was I tempted? Sure. But the risks absobloodylutely outweigh the benefits.

[@zevfeistory]

Mr Sazali Samad 59 years old still doing great and win the latest competitions, never too late to start again.

[@tyler___4558]

Anabolic steroids are NOT easy to get, at least not in countries where it's illegal. The risk of buying fake gear is so high.

[@jaywong6964]

just a simple 2-4 weeks of conditioning would eliminate any kind of soreness if you did the same movements

[@BlafesSky]

Agree. I still prefer aesthetics over anything but the thought of hopping on has never crossed my mind, I also never skip my "functional" and mobility routine. Some stuff im proud of is my entire lower body, I'd go as far as to say I was gifted with good hip and ankle mobility

[@housesports000]

@@jaywong6964and also some HRT or TRT too if it’s getting pretty bad

[@ar.chowteckchee6496]

having a good mentor with the right mindset is crucial, kudos to coach Adrian Tan

[@Irfan87]

Ey i just saw this kid appear on my Insta feed a month ago or so. Nice to see he's getting this kind of coverage.

[@jemchan]

With such supportive parents, he is sure to succeed ❤

[@musselsg]

Looking forward to see him on the competition stage one day, and maybe on my bodybuilding channel as well! Keep it up, all the way!

[@user-lt3xk2zo2q]

Good to see potential bodybuilders like you in sg, Athy. Just make sure you don’t believe too much of everything you see in social media. Most important of all, don’t ‘injure’ yourself with steroids and ego. Good luck!

[@iimmortalldreams]

It's a great time to be an influencer/content creator now for fitness because being natural is more accepted and you can make far more money doing social media than competing if he wishes. I was this kid once starting at 14 as well. Ultimately I decided not to go down that path at 18 since I knew I would need steroids to compete properly. Wishing success for this young man

[@tashfinmaja4721]

Such a motivated lad! Go fulfill your dreams little bro!

[@MrStrawberry-oj6sh]

Bro you made it this far I knew you could do it all the best brother💪🏻👍🏻

[@TrainWithBrendan]

Good stuff man! Keep up the consistency 💪

[@Adrian-po7bz]

Not that theres any Hate on here, but Ive never understood the hate when it comes to young people trying to work out. Ive seen Athly Lee on TikTok, and theres a LOT of people who says mean things or just stupid stuff like "Bro is too young" "its gonna stunt your growth" "He shouldnt be working out at that age" etc. Like why? I dont understand it...He is 14 years of age, and hes found something that he enjoys doing AT such a young age. Most people his age are out making trouble, and bullying others or even taking drugs. And these are the people that says Athy is "wasting" his teen years. In Fact...He is AHEAD of the people his age. Athly is making a name for himself, and in 5-10 years hes going to be a great Athlete. The reason people are hating, is because NO ONE wants to see someone else, doing BETTER than themselfs. Its just Jealousy, thats what it is. If theres anyone young reading this. Do what you want to do, and dont listen to the Naysayers. Trust yourself and believe in yourself and youll never lose.

[@Han-nk3io]

They don't know better. Me and my friends have been lifting since 15 and both of us grow just fine and the bonus is we are way a head of most people, at 18 we are stronger than most adults. Heights has nothing to do with training, its genetic and food.

[@jaytee7702]

@@Han-nk3io yea the height being stunted etc only happens if theres serious injury which can disrupt growth. Pretty difficult thing to cause imo

[@Han-nk3io]

@@jaytee7702 playing intense sports is more likely lead to injuries than lifting weights as long as people dont get caught up by their ego.

[@MrHighwaysg]

Wishing you all the best in bodybuilding and hope one day you will represent Singapore in competition👍

[@gawd_jihyo]

Very disciplined and hardworking! Good job athy! 👏

[@johnmercuryfrom2009]

I started my fitness journey last year when I turned 14. I lost a good amount of weight for my first time and things were looking good. Been slacking off for a good while since last year’s summer but I’m gonna get back on the grind. I’m 15 now and hope that by the end of this year, I become decently lean and have an aesthetic physique.

[@centrumsaiyan7623]

Bro became successful even before being big. Keep going lil bro, its never about the physique, it's about the message. Yours is heard by the world. Keep going.

[@zek6506]

Been a fan of bro on reels can't believe he's on my youtube recommended 😅

[@Tikomilo]

i can see his bright future side. With those effort and supports around him family, friends and coach. He'll have the potential to move forward in bodybuilder.

[@captainlevi8792]

I wish I started working out at he’s age Don’t give up I have faith in him

[@PokemonFan123]

so proud of this guy making it this far already!

[@JustbeingRahul]

bruhh, i watched you since started Ur Instagram , great you are going ahead . achieve it bruhh. Keep it up

[@King_of_Sofa]

You're gonna go far kid. Just remember to never, never, never touch steroids

[@adam9667]

He probably will depending on the division he wants to compete in, tbh nothing wrong with it as long as you make it your job. There are more dangerous jobs than taking steroids and bodybuilding. He just needs to not take steroids young

[@liftingforfun2347]

i mean if he wants to go pro at a somewhat decent level, he doesnt have a choice

[@redriot2235]

cant go far in bodybuilding without roids

[@lukaschodura8320]

why

[@King_of_Sofa]

@lukaschodura8320 because the negative long-term consequences outweigh the positives. But of course, everyone gets to decide that for themselves

[@ramoozee1141]

I followed this kid cuz I’ve seen his progress and it also motivated more to be consistent.

[@krishrsp4415]

This guy is very good and well mannered,no ego always tries to message back

[@selleys9150]

keep it clean like what u are doing right now.. you will hit plateaus and thats where the challenges begin be it external "influences" and keep your protein intake in check. I caught my CKD by chance during a blood test.. and 25 years of protein/mass shakes finally caught up..

[@lendleasereit6797]

very eloquent in his speech

[@Hirotara]

I've seen his progress on Instagram. Progress is consistent and that's all that matters. Its obvious to anybody with a brain that his metabolism is on the faster side hence the bulk. He's 14 too, literally still developing yet he still shows his passion and soul for it and I'm sure he's able to bench more than his haters. The bulk will genuinely go crazy and I'm sure that once body development does its thing, the gains will go crazy. Wish the best for this dude 🙏

[@oterenceo]

As long as it is done safely and he does not get injured, any sport should be supported.

[@ILKG_]

Great job man

[@icecoldsythe]

the bulk is going be insane

[@oreono]

supporting this guy and im hella proud of him but i just hope he doesnt take it too far and doesnt destroy his health

[@expungedglitch2551]

Wish people would feel the same about me, I'm 14 too and a body builder keep up the work.👍

[@mcintosh5681]

Little Bro is a beast, wish him the best for the future

[@dabocousin]

Its so fire that his parents are so supportive

[@ThickBanana]

Great support from his parents!

[@Userrrrrrrrsp]

This kid has pro potential you can tell by his lat and shoulder genetics 🙌👍

[@ham-as-lover]

he only has 4 packs

[@elianimated7583]

So did arnie

[@CowboyCrab2]

Yea

[@petemorbius3936]

what lat, what shoulders, nth

[@faehimmirza2381]

@@ham-as-lover Chill hes only 14 hes doing better than 90% of 14 year olds nowadays

[@Adithya_186]

Bro Made it!!

[@kaisser1993]

You made it bro 🔥🔥🔥

[@bassoonlim8628]

his stage name can be....Athyleete

[@ronnieong6545]

Food, Supplements, Rest and most of all a good coach to look into your Nutrition and Training Programs not just talk with dreams .

[@bryangraves758]

Wow, I've been following him on Instagram for a while now. I'm glad to see he's getting up there

[@juwanwan1]

Wow respect to his parents supporting him and raising him.

[@toy3825]

ALL THE BEST BRO

[@donermannali2701]

Lil calculator made it in the news😮🥷🏻

[@donermannali2701]

Real.

[@benawsx]

Good job!

[@xkyfal18]

Absolute legend

[@Dang77890]

I have Watched him since day 21

[@cbjamboii]

This boy gonna be a monster at age 20.

[@Perro_98]

Yooo jts the bulking kid,great job brother

[@stefanosprokopis6974]

He looks great. He has good natural shape and tone. Not much size now but as he ages He will look better. Keep up the life stay natural be healthy always.

[@puremonkey1]

Holy moly you are on cna now lol

[@vingchiellleing]

yooooo i always see him in instagram glad to see him featured

[@MrHelloworId]

Genetically, it’ll be an uphill battle for him. But we’ll see what hard work and consistency can achieve. Suspect the temptation to juice will be high in years to come, parents must watch for it.

[@0BluePrototype0]

What do you mean with genetically lol

[@darkastroid3793]

@@0BluePrototype0 hes not the strongest or the biggest

[@MrHelloworId]

@@0BluePrototype0 If you observe his bone structure and general muscle makeup, it's not typically what you want when you're training to be a professional bodybuilder. Imagine you're selecting a character in a game, and customizing how a kid would look like before training hard at the gym, his natural physique is probably not what you would select as your starting character.

[@Hirotara]

@@MrHelloworId Agreed, his body type appears to be more ectomorphic and coupled with an uber fast metabolism. But I'm sure that once body development starts doing its thing and the lifts start going up even more then its going to uphill from there

[@jaytee7702]

@@MrHelloworId to be fair hes only 14 and looks like he could be a late bloomer, im sure lifting might help influence the way his bone structure fully develops

[@pixelgunboy7244]

Well Done Athy! 💪💪

[@Soldierofmyself]

Honestly a stupid idea. Pro bodybuilding is all subjective leading to bad self-image, where there is not even an objective good. Competing requires you to use drugs, destroying your body. Bodybuilding is not meant to be done by kids. His body is not developed until he is 20 at least, meaning he's going to look trash regardless. Why not put him into an actual sport that has long term benefits and guide the body to healthy growth? What on earth made them choose bodybuilding? To make money through sponsors? So many people start bodybuilding late and that makes more sense.

[@jessicaregina1956]

INSANE 14 year old kid

[@petemorbius3936]

insane? nth much also

[@user-cv4vo7lo4p]

hes tiny

[@redfinance3403]

@@user-cv4vo7lo4pFr like good on him for working out and following his passion, but to say he’s insane at this state is just not true.

[@reiniscaunans]

I can see this kid has a great future :)

[@anuarfaizalofficial]

Kudos to his young parents for supporting his interest and a healthy one at it too!

[@JerryWhitaker804]

It’s not healthy at all, most bodybuilders are on steroids.

[@jayjay6927]

@@JerryWhitaker804 Natty bodybuilders are a thing yk lmao

[@omsinghbhadoria5317]

Excellent Bro 👌 Om Lee

[@ivelingeorgiev2723]

Amazing kid with amazing parents!

[@novantan]

Keep this up & you’ll be a danger to all of us💪🏻💪🏻

[@jeoq]

AYYYY HE MADE IT ON THE NEWS YOOO

[@kensheemoya5343]

Great job dude, i hope you keep it natural

[@andrcwlol]

OH YEAA HE MADE THE NEWS

[@CoryKoller-wx1uc]

Not 108 pounds to 113 pounds or even 106 pounds to 117 pounds to 127 pounds

[@MasterLeong888]

amazing parents!

[@Maximax1091]

Power sia, when I grow up I want to be like him.

[@SushiGaming_YT]

I thought it was going to be a impressive 14 year old , but from the weights he was using it's the same weights any 14 year old uses when they workout

[@DISCSTREAM-dd6kw]

great work kid!! :)

[@CabGuillaume]

keep it up my chigga!

[@mattchongunfiltered]

Dream parents. I wish mine were as supportive as his growing up 🔥

[@theinvisiblegaijin1165]

Just remember to stay natty as much as possible

[@Insurancemutualmors]

No

[@smmae]

@@Insurancemutualmorsyes there is no use to use anabolic steroids (i.e enzymes) or to use hormonal injections

[@XARIER39]

Dude throwing a most muscular. Right on

[@ohitsdarren]

man is mad with the gym progress and social media progress at such a young age. Kudos to the parents also as this is definitely a niche route and they are very supportive about it! Can't wait to see him representing Singapore for Mr Olympia in a few years time!

[@user-yv5jx9fh4p]

What progress

[@jayjay6927]

@@user-yv5jx9fh4p check his account and see the muscle maturity,

[@mrgetrext297]

Kid looks awesome!

[@Split_Routine]

I too started when i was 13 im 57 now, haven't missed a week. Spent too long chasing size, i eat low carb now and look better than i ever have . Face aside that is 😅

[@Jack-hl2ys]

Got dreams, everyone is great.

[@xianlonglee-ty6qe]

Kid is not going to make it without the drug. He's like a stick beside Arnold.

[@Hirotara]

He's 14 and still growing, how about letting him cook instead of being a stage-5 hater?

[@jayjay6927]

Arnold is a stick beside half the bodybuilders today. And there are natty comps that are tested, he doesnt need drugs. But if he takes that path he'll have the work ethic to make it to the top. Stop being negative, find something to make you happy

[@CowboyCrab2]

Bro got a better physique than me despite him being 1 year younger than him “Those who have more muscles / look just trained longer than you” one quote i go by. I also think working out is fun, I started in february this year, and I‘ve lost almost 10kg, and I’m starting to lose more now that I’ve implemented cardio in my sessions as I’ve no time due to school and preparation for O levels.

[@prasanthapa_ancient]

you go G!

[@elithekrayfish]

He's got a long way to go! Just like I did, and still do!

[@vakacosmica]

Fuaa muy corto 😢

[@jeffqseid2169]

Goodjob my chigga, see you at the top!

[@georgepierre3594]

Seen this kid on IG. good to see.

[@oscargaming664]

He’s a really good kid but personally at 14 I have a bigger physique and I mean he does deserve the attanetion just that I know in fact there’s more bigger 14 year olds

[@lecorny007]

Unless he competes in natural category, which is pretty much nonexistent, then he might possibly spiral down the path of tren, anabolics etc. But good for him for being passionate about it, if he one day decides not to take any kind of substance to compete, he could still be a content creator as well as fitness coach.

[@astronuggz2652]

20 on incline press ah hell nah

[@SillyBatman]

dayyum, the human calculator that is always on my ig page make it this far?? congrats dude

[@lotusluv]

bros name is basically Athlete . he was born for this

[@cheznoodle6343]

u go lad

[@jayleejw1801]

he has the best parents on earth,. hands down

[@rjuwuxd3012]

This kid and Trysten Lee should collab. Kids who started bb at a very young age.

[@Metamorphfitness-cj8wn]

I pray that he doesnt go on steroids, we need natural bodybuilders to inspire the youth especially.

[@DARK__SOUL444]

Its crazy to see how everyone is supportive for him Especially his mother who is literally saying nutrition is mostly important and in a country like india , first you have to face a interview with your parents to go to the gym because of the posts they see on facebook or whatsapp university I am 14½ and have pretty good body like i do not like to brag but i think i am in the top 10-5 % just going to the gym for almost 5 months now. I just imagine how life would be if parents understand that thier child knows what is good or bad for him I am not able to buy any whey or creatine when i am going to cut this summer . I wish India in future would be less conservative or orthodox because the current situation is really terrible 😔.

[@rken3116]

Stay natural wish you success. amazing parent very important.