KUALA LUMPUR: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman and Malaysia's Wong Ngai Hong are among the legendary names synonymous with bodybuilding.
All these guys also have something in common. They all made their names at a later stage in their careers, between the ages of 35 and 41.
For most bodybuilders, this period is understood to be the magical window.
This includes R. Kumareswarren, who is hoping to land the coveted World Championships gold before he misses this "window" of opportunity.
At the recent World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in South Korea, Kumareswarren, 38, came agonisingly close, but had to settle for silver in the men's heavyweight (90kg-100kg) category.
Instead of feeling disappointed, the gym owner is more motivated than ever to try for gold again.
After all, it was only his second time competing in the world meet, and it's his first medal at this level.
"In my first year (2022), I finished in the top five. This time, I got silver. Hopefully I will land the gold in my next outing," Kumareswarren told Timesport.
The 2023 Mr Malaysia said he is not too concerned about his advancing age.
"You know in bodybuilding, it's slightly different than other sports. I see it as an art form.
"All the big names, from Arnold to Ronnie Coleman, won their major titles between the ages of 35 and 41.
"Even our very own Wong (Ngai) Hong won the Mr Universe title when he was 41.
"I am in that window right now, and I hope to win gold the next time I compete," added Kumareswarren, who started dabbling in the world of bodybuilding some fifteen years ago.
Kumareswarren, who runs the Body Factory gym in Petaling Jaya, admitted that unlike many other mainstream sports, bodybuilding is a niche passion that requires not just hardwork, dedication and talent, but also good genes.
"It's like that. Sometimes you can work so hard, sacrifice so much, and yet someone who is blessed with good genes can come and blow away his competition.
"This could happen to me, but I also believe that hardwork will at some point pay off.
"My training programme, as I have mentioned in my past interviews, is very detailed and calculated.
"How much sleep I get, my food intake, my life is like a timetable," said Kumareswarren, who wishes to see the sport receive better recognition and funding from the National Sports Council.
At the moment, bodybuilding is under Category C, meaning the national association only covers the flight ticket, competition registration and accommodation cost.
"The reason I chose to be aligned to the WBPF and not the professional IFBB (International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation) is because WBPF is recognised by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).
"The other reason is because I still want to carry the Jalur Gemilang, to represent Malaysia and have the Negaraku played when we win gold.
"Unfortunately, this sport is not lucrative and it's not cheap. It's an expensive lifestyle considering how detailed it is.
"As a trainer who trains about 10-15 boys at my gym, I know.
"Hopefully, there can be more awareness, and support from the various parties."
Kumareswarren said bodybuilding is not merely about flexing well-sculptured muscles but a lifelong experience.
Relating it to his own experience, he said: "The boys I coach, none of them smoke or drink. They know they can't afford to if they want to make it.
"What I want to say is, this lifestyle, this discipline can be applied to everything else you do.
"Business, education, and so much more.
"I was a top student, because I got into this lifestyle when I was about 16. What I do to look after my body, I applied in my studies and my job."