From uni to stage success, Sutherland Shire trainer Jarrod Stoffels makes an impressive debut at Sydney Superbodies event. Picture supplied

Jarrod Stoffels, 23, a personal trainer from The Y Caringbah, made an impressive debut on the competitive stage at the ICN 2026 Sydney Superbodies.

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He walked away with a haul of silverware that included second place in both the First Timers and Rookie divisions, third in under-23s, and a fourth-place finish overall.

For Stoffels, the journey to the stage was a 20-week test of mental and physical fortitude following the completion of his university studies.

"I finished uni last year-I did a bachelor of exercise science and nutrition," he said. "I've always been into training and the gym, which I started doing at 16. Then I had a rough year being my last year of uni and I decided I wanted to do something else challenging."

That challenge manifested in a gruelling preparation period defined by caloric deficits and discipline. Documenting the process on The Y Caringbah's social media, Stoffels gave the community a front-row seat to the realities of the sport.

"It was basically about losing as much fat mass and keeping as much muscle as I could across that period. Eating less food, and being more hungry," he said. "It was difficult at home when my family sat down to a pasta dinner. I was eating my salad and kangaroo meat."

Competing in the classic category, Stoffels worked with a posing coach to emulate the "Arnie look," focusing on a small waist and powerful proportions. Despite the fatigue of 15,000 daily steps and depleted energy levels, the work paid off under the bright lights.

"It's only really now that I look back at the photos and think 'wow, that's me,'" he said. "I had a posing coach and saw him every couple of weeks. It's basically daily practice in front of a mirror. I think I have a bit of a talent for it."

While the adrenaline of the Sydney Superbodies is still fresh, Stoffels plans to step away from the stage for a year or two to prioritise his professional growth within the fitness community that supported him throughout his prep.

"I want to shift my focus back to my career," he said. "You get to meet great people at my gym - it's a good community and very supportive. Older members who are grandparents now bring in their medals and stories."

As for the immediate aftermath of the rigorous 20-week diet? The celebration was simple and well-deserved. "After the competition I had a slice of pizza, a chicken sandwich, and a couple of bananas," he said.