As 2026 begins, Ashby’s Tyler Smith is taking a rare moment to slow down.
For most of the past year, the 42-year-old bodybuilder has been living the dream he’s chased for nearly two decades — earning his place among the elite at Mr. Olympia, the most prestigious competition in the sport.
“It still feels a bit surreal,” he says, reflecting on his debut at the legendary event held in Las Vegas in October. “You
look around and you’re standing next to guys you used to idolise — some who’ve been competing there for ten years— and suddenly, they’re your rivals. It’s one of those moments you never
forget.”
Picture credit: Mr.Olympia
A Dream Years in the Making
Tyler compares bodybuilding’s biggest stage to football’s top flight.
“It’s like every kid who starts playing football dreaming of the Premier League,” he says. “When I started training as an amateur, I always thought maybe one day I could reach the Olympia. But it only really started to feel possible over the last couple of years.”
For those unfamiliar, Mr. Olympia is the title that made Arnold Schwarzenegger a household name — the pinnacle of global bodybuilding, now in its 62st year. To even qualify, Smith had to win a professional event outright. “It’s brutal,” he admits. “You can have 20 to 40 athletes from all over the world at one show, and only the winner gets that invitation.”
That victory came in Thailand last summer, where Smith topped a 25-strong field from 16 different countries. “Winning there and getting my Olympia invite — that was a special moment,” he says. “But it also meant the hard work had only just begun.”
Picture credit: Tyler Smith
Life in Prep Mode
Smith’s preparation for the Olympia stretched for most of 2025 — months of strict training, early mornings, and
precision nutrition.
“It becomes a lifestyle,” he says. “It’s simple stuff, but to most people it probably looks boring. Same meals, same training, same routine every day. But that’s what it takes.”
He started his prep in February, competed in Thailand in June, and barely took a breath before diving straight into Olympia prep until October. “It was a long, hard year,” he laughs. “But worth every minute.”
The Everest Moment
When Smith finally stepped under the lights in Las Vegas, it was everything he’d imagined.
“Standing there, looking out at a crowd of 5,000 people, it was like my Everest — the pinnacle,” he says.
“For years, that stage felt like a distant dream. To actually be there, representing myself and where I’m from, was incredible.”
While he’s quick to point out that simply reaching Olympia is an achievement in itself, the experience has only fuelled
his hunger for more. “There’s nowhere higher to go in bodybuilding — unless you win it,” he smiles. “And that’s a whole new mountain to climb.”
A Comeback Story of True Grit
What makes Smith’s journey even more remarkable is what he’s overcome along the way. In 2018, he underwent a kidney transplant after being diagnosed with kidney disease — a life-changing moment that forced him to step away from competition for several years.
“After the transplant, I had no plans to compete again,” he admits. “I just wanted to get fit and live normally. But I didn’t
want it to define me. I thought, if I can work around it, I can make it work.”
Just 13 months later, he was back on stage. “My body responded well, and one thing led to another,” he says. “It’s
been an incredible comeback.”
Smith continues to monitor his health closely, working with his renal specialist and undergoing regular blood tests. “As long as everything looks good, I keep pushing forward,” he says. “It’s about being smart as well as dedicated.”
Picture credit: Tyler Smith
Building a Legacy at Home
Away from the international stage, Smith runs a gym in Coalville, where he also coaches clients online — helping
others chase their own goals.
“Owning a gym and competing go hand in hand,” he says. “We’ve got an amazing group of members — really supportive.I love being able to share what I’ve learned and pass that knowledge on.”
He’s also planning to expand his strong social media presence this year, sharing more training advice, nutrition tips, and motivational content.
“If I can inspire even one person to get started or stay consistent, that’s a win,” he says.
Looking Ahead
For now, though, rest is the priority.
“The plan for the start of 2026 is just to get my body back into a happy place,” he says. “When you’re in competition shape, your body fat is so low and you’re running on fumes. I just want to recover, reset, and then see what’s next.”
He’ll spend January reflecting, recharging, and setting new goals — perhaps another Olympia run, perhaps something
new. But one thing’s certain: his commitment to the sport, and to self-improvement, isn’t going anywhere.
“We live in a world where people want quick results,” he says.
“But this sport teaches you patience. It’s years of consistency, doing the right things over and over. One day, you look back and realise how far you’ve come.”
And for Tyler Smith, from a tall, skinny teenager in Ashby to standing among the world’s best in Las Vegas, that journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Follow Tyler’s journey on instagram: ifbb_pro_tylersmith
Picture credit: IFBB
