Bodybuilding is a sport and lifestyle dedicated to enhancing one’s physique by building muscle mass in balanced proportions while maintaining minimal body fat. It prioritizes aesthetics over performance, relying on weightlifting and disciplined nutrition to achieve a sculpted appearance.
However, like any pursuit, bodybuilding comes with challenges, including injury risk, strict diet demands, sacrifices required by the lifestyle, impact on loved ones, and the inevitable effects of aging.
Professional bodybuilder Sadik Hadzovic recently shed light on the less glamorous side of the sport. On March 24, 2025, Hadzovic shared his struggles as a father and a pro athlete navigating the realities of aging in the competitive bodybuilding world.
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Hadzovic on Entering a Different Phase of Life
Hadzovic current phase of life has significant uncertainties alongside the demands of bodybuilding. He says it’s challenging to watch others compete on stage, but he feels disconnected from the drive he had in his 20s.
In the gym, Hadzovic’s progress is held back by diminished strength and unfamiliar joint pain, making it more challenging to train hard.
He compared his current challenges to an example from his father — a determined and hardworking go-getter who struggled to adapt as the world around him advanced.
While Hadzovic acknowledged such transitions are inevitable, he doesn’t believe he’s reached that stage but recognizes the difficulty others might have navigating them.
I don’t know how to cope. I don’t think I’ll ever cope.
—Sadik Hadzovic
Hadzovic believes his life has been better for never having won the Olympia. In a conversation with four-time Men’s Physique Olympia champion Jeremy Buendia, Hadzovic admitted intense jealousy over Buendia’s Olympia accomplishments, convinced he deserved to beat him. Hadzovic recognized these were toxic feelings.
Reflecting on Buendia’s journey — winning the Olympia at a young age and managing the pressure and fame that came with being at the top — Hadzovic feels finishing as the runner-up might have been a blessing in disguise. In hindsight, he sees the advantages it allowed for his personal growth and sponsorship opportunities.
Maybe the real victory is my family, my career, the respect I have in the sport, my health. You got to redefine success.
—Sadik Hadzovic
Hadzovic believes lasting success lies in strong family relationships and good health.
Hadzovic’s Current Mindset
Hadzovic took three years away from competition to welcome the birth of his son after enduring the heartbreaking loss of a child during that time. Returning to the pro stage, he re-qualified for the Olympia while battling illness, showcasing the best physique of his career at the oldest age he’s ever competed.
He stepped away from the pro scene again to celebrate the birth of his daughter before making a final return to the stage for one last run.
I’m a man; a goal-seeking creature. I judge my worth on my achievements, bank account, titles I win, the standard people hold me to…on the street or in YouTube comments.
—Sadik Hadzovic
Hadzovic’s current goal is to be the best father he can be.
When I’m old, nobody from Mr. Olympia is going to come and visit me, but my kids will as long as I invest in that now.”
—Sadik Hadzovic
Hadzovic explained that while his family remains his top priority, his passion for competing still drives him. Performing at the highest level is increasingly difficult to balance. “Yet, I still do it year after year,” Hadzovic said.
Sadik Hadzovic’s Goals
Hadzovic likes to compete, but there is a cost to his family. He has participated in 30 pro shows, peaking for nearly all of them — a process that places immense stress on the body.
I know the sacrifices that I’ve put through my body and the toll it takes on my health.
—Sadik Hadzovic
Hadzovic confirmed his return to pro competition in the Classic Physique division, aiming to step on stage at a full, hard, ripped 220 pounds — up from his current weight of 205 pounds.
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Featured image: @sadikhadzovic on Instagram
