A BODYBUILDER crowned champion is aiming to inspire young people to follow their dreams after winning a national championship.

Tumise Ogunmilua, of Maesglas, Newport, was winner in the under 20 category of the British National Bodybuilding Federation (BNBF) championships in Birmingham on Sunday.

The 18-year-old has now been invited to represent Great Britain at an international championships in Miami which takes place next month.

Mr Ogunmilua, who is currently taking A-levels at St Julian’s School, said he hopes his success can inspire other young people.

He said: “I was very surprised to win because at first I never had the belief I could do it.

“Fortunately a lot of people have encouraged me to believe it is possible.

“This is a big realisation.”

Mr Ogunmilua has been interested in bodybuilding since he was around five-years-old, when he remembers telling his aunt in Nigeria about his interest in the sport.

Juggling training alongside his studies and working part-time at McDonald’s, the teenager has been training for bodybuilding since he was around 14-years-old.

The bodybuilder trains four days in a row and then one day off, with sessions lasting around 90 minutes.

Despite the challenges of other commitments, Mr Ogunmilua said the sport gives him a focus and discipline which helps his studies.

“I came from being a very small, skinny young child. I looked up to a lot of people and said I wanted to get there,” he said.

“It has taken a lot of work but over several years I have got to where I am.

“It shows if you want to do something and you put in the work you can reach your aims.”

At the British championships, judges praised Mr Ogunmilua for his symmetry, muscularity and poses.

The success comes after the talented teenager won in the Welsh qualifying stage in July.

He wished to thank his coach, Gareth Fernquest, who he described as a “big inspiration.”

The 18-year-old is now hoping to represent Britain at an international championship in the US, but will need to secure further funding for the costs of the trip.

His mother, Patience Oyewole, said she was delighted for her son.

“He has put in a lot of work,” she said.

“His dedication and commitment has been amazing.

“He developed an interest in weightlifting from the age of 14.

“When his peers were going out, he was focusing on healthy eating, exercise and going to the gym.

“He has made a lot of sacrifices.”

The proud mum said she was “ecstatic” when her son was announced as the winner at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Sunday.

“I have not come back down to Earth yet,” she added.

“I see his dedication day in, day out. I am so proud of him.”

Farzana Khanam, a friend of Mr Ogunmilua and primary school teacher, said the teenager is an “inspiration” to young people in Newport.

She said: “It shows what can be achieved by working so hard and showing determination.”

The BNBF is a non-profit organisation which runs championships for natural athletes.

Every competitor is tested to ensure they are drug free.