Shenoy Fernandes along with his wife Sneeha after the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation UK (WNBF UK) Men’s Physique competition.
LONDON
His passion for bodybuilding has seen him pursue weight training right from Chicalim and Vasco in Mormugao to Dubai and now, Shenoy Fernandes has won praise in London at the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation UK.
Born and raised in Chicalim, Shenoy studied at Regina Mundi School in Chicalim, where his love for sports first began.
“I played football throughout my school years and was part of the team that won the Br. Slattery Memorial Cup and was the top goal scorer
I continued playing for Vasco Sports Club and various local football clubs and remained deeply involved in sports,” said Shenoy.
“At the age of 20, while pursuing my diploma in engineering, I began weight training at the Panchayat Gym in Chicalim. That’s when my interest in fitness really took shape. What started as a way to stay fit quickly turned into a real passion. I was drawn to the structure, discipline, and progress that came with training in the gym.”
While pursuing his apprenticeship at Goa Shipyard Limited, Shenoy also worked as a fitness trainer at Norbert’s Fitness Studio in Vasco.
“Balancing both gave me the opportunity to help others while continuing to grow in my own journey,” said Shenoy.
Shenoy later proceeded to Dubai and took up a job as project engineer.
“The demands of the job meant I couldn’t give my full attention to fitness, but I remained consistent. No matter how busy life got, I never stopped training,” he said.
After getting married, Shenoy relocated to the UK.
“A year later, my younger brother Shogun – who has always believed in me – encouraged me to enter a men’s physique competition. I was hesitant at first. Balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, and intense training was a major challenge. But I was determined to try,” said Shenoy.
In 2023, Shenoy entered his first World Natural Bodybuilding Federation UK (WNBF UK) Men’s Physique competition.
“I didn’t win any prize, but it gave me a clear picture of what was required. I competed again in 2024 and improved my performance, though I still didn’t win. I didn’t give up. I adjusted my routine and trained with greater discipline.”
“With a growing family and a demanding job of a contracts manager, time was tight. I used to wake up early in the morning to train before work, started using a cycle to work, and often trained late at night after long shifts. It was exhausting, but I had a clear goal.”
Shenoy’s hard work finally paid off earlier this year, after 5 months of structured preparation with his coach Adam Nugent from Impact Coaching.
“I got the fifth place at the WNBF UK Men’s Physique competition, with the first four winners being English contestants. That moment was a reflection of years of effort, sacrifice, and belief. But this is just the beginning. Now, I need to go for gold.”
Stating that he is proud to represent Goa on an international platform, Shenoy had a message for aspiring bodybuilders: “I hope my journey reminds others that no dream is too big. With consistency, passion, and belief in yourself, anything is possible – no matter how busy life gets.”
