Fernando Sardinha: Brilliant Career in Bodybuilding

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Introduction

Fernando Sardinha is one of the most iconic of bodybuilding in Brazil. With a career spanning almost four decades, he is recognized for his numerous national and international titles, as well as being an inspiring figure for many athletes and bodybuilding enthusiasts.

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Early Years and Beginnings in Bodybuilding

Born in Rio Claro, São Paulo, on November 19, 1969, Fernando Luiz, better known as Fernando Sardinha, spent most of his life in Ribeirão Preto.

Since he was a child, he dreamed of having a muscular body, inspired by superheroes like the Hulk and Namor, the Sub-Mariner. At the age of 10, he started working to help his family financially, cleaning toilets and facing difficulties, such as sharing a single French bread at meals.

The Musical Talent

In addition to his passion for bodybuilding, Fernando also had a natural talent for music. Without any formal training, he could play songs on the piano just by listening. During difficult times, the family traded the piano for a keyboard, and together they played at events to earn money. Fernando also participated in shows by the Oswaldo Montenegro Company, such as “Dança dos Signos” and “Noturno”.

The Nickname “Sardine”

At the age of 15, Fernando started training at the gym, and it was love at first sight. He never wanted to try any other sport again. At the time, he was short and weighed only 52 kg, which earned him the nickname “Sardine” from his training partners. The nickname spread and ended up becoming part of his identity.

First Steps in Bodybuilding

Inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in the film “Conan the Barbarian” in 1982, Sardinha debuted in bodybuilding in 1985. At that time, he still combined the sport with music, which was his parents’ preferred career. With little information available about the sport, Fernando faced prejudice and lack of knowledge, including at home. Determined to make a living from bodybuilding, he began studying bodybuilding on his own.

First Titles

In 1989, Sardinha participated in his first IFBB championship, competing in the Junior Lightweight category, for athletes up to 70 kg. He won the title of the São Paulo Bodybuilding Championship, held at Anhembi, and months later, he came in third place in the IFBB Brazilian Championship. The following year, he repeated the feat in both tournaments.

Career and Achievements

Fernando Sardinha built his career competing in ten different federations, an absolute record in the world of bodybuilding. Over the course of almost four decades, he accumulated many national and international titles for various organizations. Unlike most idols in the sport, Sardinha does not compete in professional tournaments, such as those of the IFBB Pro League. As an amateur, he had great results in NABBA and WABBA championships.

The Greatest Poser in Brazil

With a great presence on stage, Fernando stands out in competitions for his fluid performances and is considered one of the best posers in the sport. He has received the title of Greatest Poser in Brazil on more than ten occasions and Greatest Poser in the World on three occasions.

Contributions to Sports

Currently, Fernando Sardinha continues to compete and win in the Senior and Master categories. With a degree in Physical Education, he also contributes to the growth of the sport in other areas.

As a teacher, he developed his own training method and has trained personalities from the fitness world such as Léo Stronda, Gracyanne Barbosa, Renato Cariani, Leandro Twin and Paulo Muzy.

In addition, Sardinha has his own gym in Ribeirão Preto, is an accredited IFBB and NABBA referee, mentors athletes and gives his name to the Sardinha Classic, an important tournament on the national circuit that takes place in September in Santa Catarina.

Personal Life

The only son of Valdir and Maria, Fernando Sardinha still lives in Ribeirão Preto. He continues to inspire and motivate new athletes, showing that age is no impediment to achieving success in bodybuilding. Even after 50 years of age, Fernando continues to show off his good shape in competitions, proving that dedication and love for the sport are eternal.

How old is Fernando Sardinha?

Fernando Sardinha was born on November 19, 1969. So, he is currently 54 years old and still competes at a high level.

What are Fernando Sardinha's main titles?

Fernando Sardinha has 117 titles in bodybuilding, including championships such as the Campeonato Paulista and several international titles in organizations such as NABBA and WABBA.