Achievements of Dareem Charles

1989 Central America & Caribbean Champion

3rd at 1995 Florida Pro Invitational

2nd at 1998 Ironman Pro Invitational

8th at 1999 Night of Champions.

7th place at the 2000 Arnold Classic

5th place at the 2000 Ironman Pro Invitational

Champion of the 2002 SW USA Pro Bodybuilding Championship

Runner-up at the 2004 Night of Champions.

5th place in the 2005 Arnold Traditional.

Professional status by winning the Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships all-around for three consecutive years from 1988-90

Most dominant areas: biceps, pecs, shoulders, abs, overall line

Worst areas: calf and thigh girth, overall size are small (bone structure reasons)

Family life: married to Jim, has a son named Rainer.

Career: works as a personal trainer at World Gym in Deerfield.

FIRST BODYBUILDING COMPETITION: I won the 1986 Mr. Trinidad East competition. At the time, I had no thoughts of competing at all, but a friend encouraged me to go.

FIRST PRO CONTEST: 1992 Chicago Pro Invitational.

MOST ADMIRED BODYBODYBUILDING IDOL: I grew up reading bodybuilding magazines, and Lee Haney and Arnold Schwarzenegger were the obvious bodybuilders of the day, and Ricky Gaspari was very competitive. I also admired Sean Stay, both for his sincerity and his smooth, well-proportioned physique.

Who I admire most for their physique: I'm impressed by the physique of Frex Wheeler, and Sean Rei is very distinctive. Who do I admire most as a person: I like Shawns because he is honest and straightforward. Vince Taylor is a very friendly guy. I'm more easy-going, so I get along with everyone.

Most memorable moment in bodybuilding: Returning to competition in 1995 after a two-year hiatus, finishing third in the pro competition and qualifying for the 1995 Olympia. After placing 11th and 12th in my first two pro meets in '92, I felt it was the right thing to do to come back after two years.

Biggest disappointment of bodybuilding career: not winning more appreciation from the judges at the 1995 Mr. Olympia.

Best body part: arms.

Worst body part; calves.

Favorite exercise: I love all the exercises, training is a pleasure.

Least favorite exercise: none.

MOST ADMIRED CHARACTER: Honest and straightforward. I hate selfish and arrogant people and respect people who love to help others.

Our own greatest strengths: I am hard on myself and I always try to be a better person. I want to keep improving and am always optimistic.

Favorite magazine: FLEX

Favorite movie: Titanic.

Favorite food: Pizza.

Best vacation: a trip to Europe.

What would you like to do if you weren't a bodybuilder: gym owner or professional basketball player.

LONG-TERM GOALS IN BODYBODYBUILDING: A lot of people answer this question by saying that their goal is to win the Mr. Olympia, which is not the case for me. I just want to stay in competitive shape, win various competitions and travel the world.

What is your favorite thing about bodybuilding: It has taught me to set goals and then strive for them. It has also taught me the value of patience: you can't bulk up your legs overnight, but if you train hard, you'll always get good results.

What is your least favorite thing about bodybuilding: the judges' attitude toward enforcement. If you look better than the other competitors in a contest, it has nothing to do with your last name. Judging should be based on the competitor's form on the day. (Men's bodybuilding space)