Doctors Told John Magee’s Parents He Would Never Be Like The Other Kids: He’s Proved Them Wrong

BODYBUILDER John Magee has proved no matter what the challenge he will overcome it.

After a brain injury as a child he and his parents were told he would never have the use of the right side of his body.

The 33-year-old has in recent months shed pounds and shaped himself into a champion bodybuilder.

But it was not easy for the Northern Ireland man – who once thought he had been dealt with life’s worst hand.

“Doctors insisted that I would never be able to do what other children my age took for granted, like playing soccer, sports or riding a bike,” said John. “But I persevered with the help of my mother and late father, I was determined to live as normal a life as possible despite the physical challenges of everyday life.”

An inspiration to many others John’s parents were told at just five years of age that he would not grow up like other children.

“I suffered a brain injury after a fall and my parents were given the devastating news that the right side of my body would be paralyzed permanently,” he said.

“Eventually, after physiotherapy, I regained the use of my leg, although there was now a difference of 1 3/4 inches compared to the length of my left leg.

“My mother Jennifer even bought me a bicycle, which she taught me how to ride by taping my foot to the pedal. Very soon I was able to cycle normally like all the other children my age.”

That determination is clear now as John Magee has dropped 5.5 stones and reduced his waist size from 36” to 28”. But it was depths of courage and determination that made the difference

“From the age I started to understand about my condition, I had always felt that I’ve been given an unfair deal.
I didn’t realise it at the time, but I was starting to get really out of shape and all avenues of my health were suffering because of it. I decided I needed to get fit and lose some weight.

“The training kept me focused and I soon started to understand that I could change the card I had been dealt.”

Despite years of hard work John has never regained full use of his right arm. For many that would be enough to set them back – but not John…

“After all the years of physiotherapy, I never regained any use in my right arm or hand, which, as I got older, left me very confused about my situation, as many of the everyday things other people take for granted, were a physical challenge for me to overcome.

“Even though I was laughed at, made fun of and called names, I vowed that I would never let my disability hinder me, or stop me trying new things and a few years ago I decided to try out physical strength training through weight lifting and boxing.

“This was daunting at first – any able bodied person will find it physically and even mentally demanding to lift weights, but I had the use of only one arm.

“The same applied to boxing, which requires the use of both arms for punching and countering, or good strong legs for footwork.”

Working harder than most John took the next step towards bodybuilding.

“I decided to challenge myself in a way that took me even further from my comfort zone,” he explained.

“I had seen bodybuilding competitions before, but never thought I could enter one. So last March, I started on a program with my trainer Declan Mount, who devised a strict workout and diet routine for me, and for the last six months I have been training every day.

“I have dropped to 11 stone and developed a lean physique, leaving me in what I feel is the best shape physically and mentally than I have been in years.”

And, after all the hard work John had to face the prospect of getting on stage in front of an audience and judges – something he was initially skeptical of.

“The training was going well and my friends at the gym said to me and my trainer about entering a competition and I laughed,” he said. “I could never have seen me on stage.”

“But I just thought about it and said why not, I am just as good as anyone.”

And, when the moment came…

“I was shaking like a leaf, it scared the life out of me,” John explained.

“But, I knew on the day this is what all the hours and pain for. knew i am going to do this no matter what happens.”

For John his path is something that was about showing that no matter what the challenges are.

“I set out on this road to prove to my friends, my family and me most importantly, that someone with a disability like mine can do this and do it just as well.

“Without doubt the path will be harder, and the climb longer, but there is no reason not to try. Hopefully I can prove that the goals are not impossible to achieve and no matter what, I feel I can be proud of myself.”

As he should be – given the way he looks forward to build on his success to date.

“I am physically and mentally healthier than I have ever been in my entire life. I am filled with self-belief where for a long time was self-doubt. For the first time in my life I believe I can do anything.”

His journey and undoubted success has even been an inspiration for others – even though it was his personal path that started the change.

“I started this venture to improve myself and my outlook, so I was intrinsically motivated from the beginning.

“So when my friends and family started to see my results this spurred me on even more. I have been told by a number of people that I motivated them to train and not make excuses any more. This was really big for me, something I thought I could never do.”

And, now that the hard work has paid off John says he’s looking forward to dating again and has a bit of advice for others who want to get fitter, healthier and enjoy progress.

“Don’t overthink it, just get started,” said John Magee. “Track your progress. Practice proper nutrition.

“Long term goals definitely resemble a marathon, rather than a sprint, so keeping this in mind is important. The most important thing over anything else is to believe in yourself.”

With thanks to Debbie Deboo Photography