Page 68 - FS3 IN AUTUMN 2024

tBill at
charity
with Lisa.

FS: A year later, you started BILL TIERNEY: There are
training seriously with your quite a few, but the 1976 British
brother Jimmy. What was Championships is particularly
that experience like? memorable because it qualified
BILL TIERNEY: Training with me for the Mr. Universe in
my brother was special. We London. I met Rafael Santonja
were in a small gym close to on the way to that event—who
where we lived, Vic Burdett’s would later become the president
Gym in Crosby. That’s where it of the IFBB. It was a special
all started for me. Vic Burdett moment, and we’ve remained
saw something in me—he close friends ever since. Another
noticed I had the genetics one that stands out is the Night
and strength to go far in of Champions in 1982, where I
bodybuilding. His belief in me won the Over 90kg class. That
really motivated me to push was the day I met Wanda, who
harder. would later become my wife.

FS: After just three years of FS: Speaking of 1982, it
training, you competed in seems like that was an
your first competition, the incredible year for you.
Mr. Merseyside, in 1968. What made it so special?
How did it feel to win your BILL TIERNEY: 1982 was
first trophy? packed with competitions and
BILL TIERNEY: Winning that victories. I competed seven
first trophy was incredible. times that year, four of which
were IFBB International events.
FS: And you certainly went Winning the Sandow Classic
far! You competed in the in the Czech Republic was an
1970’s and 1980’s in almost honor, especially considering
100 events all over the it was the first time a Western
world and never stopped athlete had competed there.
for 20 years. Which And then there was the IFBB
competitions stand out World Championships in
most in your memory? Belgium, where I competed

qBill and Wanda with GB Team.

pBill winning Sandow Classic.

66 FITNESS STYLE