The Ibiza athlete claimed gold and silver in his Classic Physique debut at the NPC Worldwide Spanish Championship, but has also revealed the high financial cost of competing in a sport where “nothing comes for free”.
Behind every bodybuilding medal lies a significant personal and financial commitment. Just ask Sergi Massanet, an athlete from Ibiza who made an impressive debut in competitive bodybuilding last weekend, taking home one gold and one silver medal at the NPC Worldwide Spanish Championship in Alicante.
His sporting success came at a considerable cost. Massanet revealed that during his two days in Alicante alone, he spent between €1,300 and €1,400. The bill included competition entry fees, travel, accommodation, food, photographs, videos and even the specialist tanning product bodybuilders use before stepping on stage.
And the list of expenses does not end when the athlete leaves the competition venue.
“This is a sport where nothing is handed to you. Nobody pays for you or gives you anything. You have to spend the money, but the results make it worthwhile,” Massanet explained in an interview with Diario de Ibiza.
The high cost of bodybuilding goes far beyond the gym
The financial commitment involves much more than paying a monthly gym membership. Massanet, who has been training for between seven and eight years, explained that food costs can rise considerably during bulking phases, when athletes increase their calorie intake to build muscle mass.
At one point, he was eating as much as 900 grams of uncooked rice a day, alongside substantial quantities of protein and other foods.
“I get through a tub of protein powder every 18 days,” he said, also highlighting the considerable expense of sports supplements.
Thirteen supporters travelled to Alicante for his debut
The financial effort was not limited to the athlete himself. As many as 13 people from his inner circle travelled to Alicante to support him during his first competition, covering the cost of flights, accommodation, transport and admission tickets.
“They spent a fortune just to watch you on stage for 15 minutes,” the Ibiza bodybuilder acknowledged.
Massanet returned home with two medals that he had not even expected to win, along with renewed motivation to pursue his ambitions.
His next major goal is to make the move into professional bodybuilding within the next two or three years.