IFBB Pro Patrick Richardson (2004 NPC Nationals Lightweight Champ) Interview

New IFBB Pro Patrick Richardson shares with us how he got started in bodybuilding, his training and diet philosophies, and how he got to turn pro at the 2004 NPC Nationals when he won his lightweight class, though from his looks, you would have never guessed he was a lightweight.

[Q] Patrick, congratulations on turning pro at the 2004 NPC Nationals. Man, you were diced! Before I get into the specifics of what you did to achieve such a condition and everything else, please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started in bodybuilding.
I was born on December the 20th 1976 in Sanford, NC. In high school I wrestled and played many other sports, including baseball, soccer, and football. Inevitably wrestling convinced me of the importance of lifting weights and conditioning. During high school I was able to take a class in weight training. I immediately fell in love with it. (I was one of the strongest guys in my school pound per pound!) The feeling that I got from weight training was like no other. It gave me great confidence and self esteem. After high school was over I continued to lift weights but not with the same intensity.

When I was 20 years old I moved to Raleigh, NC. I was trained as a jeweler, repairing and making custom jewelry, and I finally received a terrific job offer in Raleigh. After moving to Raleigh I noticed how much better all of the gyms were equipped. I also saw how people in this area were much more into fitness and bodybuilding than in my home town. This motivated me to start training again with maximum intensity. I would diet down in the summer – you have to look good at the beach, after all. Many people would approach me and ask me if I was a bodybuilder and if I competed. After talking with an older friend who had competed and who agreed to help me with the mandatory poses. I was told by many that if I was going to diet down that much and be that strict on my diet that I should compete, so I decided to give it a shot.

[Q] Excellent. What is your competitive history prior to the Nationals?
Contest History
2000 North Carolina Junior State. 1st place and overall winner

2002 mountaineer National Qualifier 1st place

2003 North Carolina State 1st place

2003 Jr USA 2nd place

2004 Jr Nationals 1st place

2004 Nationals 1st place (earning IFBB Pro Card)