– You have to smile. Because then it looks like you don’t care, says Thor Ivar Hornnes as he tenses all his muscles. The 63-year-old from Kristiansand is not like everyone else. He works out twice a day and often practices posing in tiny panties. In 1989 he won the NM in bodybuilding in the heavyweight class. In 2021, he copied the feat in the 60+ age group. This weekend he competes for the first time to become Mr. Universe in Cuxhaven, Germany. – I am passionate about what you call “old people” being able to train and get in shape, says Hornnes. He has had the motivation to be an “old man” in shape for a long time. – I remember saying when I was 16 that I trained to be in great shape from the age of 60. I am super happy with how I look, I am 63 after all. As a 16-year-old, Thor Ivar already had the goal of being fit when he turned 60. Photo: Per-Kåre Sandbakk / news – Not many are fitter It’s not just strength training that keeps Hornnes in shape. He says that he spends as much time with the dog in the woods and fields as he does at the fitness centre. – It is important to be in as good shape on the inside as on the outside. The heart is a muscle. – Can your body tolerate what you are putting it through now? – Mum says no, but the doctor says it’s going well. I test blood values and such once every six months, says Hornnes. Roar Innlagen runs Roars Gym in Larvik and has organized a number of body building competitions. At the weekend, he is with Mr. Universe as a supporting player. There he expects tough competition for Hornnes. – It is a competition for the best bodybuilders from all over the world. It is mainly those who have won the EC and WC in the past who stand there, says Inlagen. He still has faith that Hornnes can go far. – There are probably not many people over 60 who are fitter. Willing to reach the final Hornnes has competed in bodybuilding for many years, but on the international stage he exceeds expectations. – I don’t think I can win. I will be very happy if I reach the final. To reach the final, he must be among the six bodybuilders the judges think look best. It can be difficult even for the man who has become Norwegian champion twice 30 years apart. – Even though he has been Norwegian champion, it is hard to get there, says Innlagen.
ttn-69
– I am super happy with how I look – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
