Irish teen, 13, becomes ‘unofficial coach’ at strongman dad’s gym – as he pumps iron since age NINE – The Irish Sun

The youngster will have to wait until he is 16 to enter junior strongman contests, but he’s been lifting weights and practising poses since the age of nine.

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Gavin helps dad Keith Maher run Silverback’s Gym in Graiguecullen, Co Carlow, as an unofficial coach.

Keith was Ireland’s Strongest Man in 2014 and is currently in training to enter Britain’s Strongest Man.

But, while Gavin clearly inherited his strength from his dad, Keith said he wasn’t the inspiration for his son to hit the weights.

He said: “I never told him to pick up a weight. He didn’t even go to the contests when I was competing. This all started when he was nine, and he saw big lads of 16 in the gym, and he just jumped in.

“I’d look at him to see if he’s doing it right, but he doesn’t need my help now — he’s giving tips to adults. If anyone is doing a bench-squat wrong, he’ll tell them!”

Gavin started off powerlifting but is now focused on bodybuilding — the old-fashioned Charles Atlas way.

He trains with European Champ Vinnie Craine and is focused on getting a traditional muscled physique.

Keith said: “He told me he doesn’t want to be bulky with a big gut, he wants to go for the classic build. So he’s not following in my footsteps — he wants to do what Vinnie is doing.”

But, unlike some of the older bodybuilders and powerlifters, Gavin is not on a strict diet. Keith said: “He would eat ice cream till it came out of his ears! He’s always asking me for money to go to Dunnes Stores to buy sweets. On a Friday morning, we go for a treat, a rasher sandwich, and he loves it. He burns off all the calories in the gym.

“At a time when kids are told to do more physical activity, and there’s so much obesity, it’s good to see a young lad has a healthy lifestyle.

“I try to encourage other young people to get into the gym. We tell kids in the Carlow Youth Centre to come to our gym. Even if they don’t have the money, they are welcome.”

Gavin’s sister, Kia, 17, is not interested in bodybuilding at all, their dad adds. “She’s more into fashion.”

But being fit is not just about building muscle, their Dad says. “I’m just happy they’re keeping active.”

When Gavin is not in the gym, he finds other ways to keep on the move. His dad said: “He’s not the kind to sit around. He has an X-box but he’s never opened it! When he’s not in the gym, he’s out walking the dogs or looking after the chickens.

“He’s also into rally cars. He wants to be a mechanic when he leaves school, but he has the option to work with me in the gym. He could work as a fitness trainer because he knows how to talk to people.”

Family friend, personal trainer and bodybuilder Nicoleta Chiorean, said: “I think Gavin is going to be a champion. He will be big!”