If you’re looking at Tyler Wilsmore’s physique and expecting to read about a 10-year journey, you’ll be mistaken. But don’t worry, the judges thought the same and were stunned to see such abdominal definition in a novice at his first competition.

Tyler, a teacher at a local peninsula school, recalls them saying: “We can’t believe you’re a newbie – you have world class physique.”

Tyler competed at the 2017 ANB Melbourne Titles on May 13, exactly one year after beginning his training. Taking home first place in the Men’s Fitness Model category and second in the Men’s Fitness Model Novice category, he remains in disbelief but is taking it in his stride.

This part-time carer (for his mum) and PE teacher is off to the World Competition UFE World Fitness Model Championships in Canada in November 11 and 12. If he places in the top three for his categories he’ll receive a pro card that recognises him as a professional fitness model.

Frankly Frankston asked Tyler how the win was sinking in. “There’s been a lot of attention, which is amazing.  The judges warned me that this would happen but advised me to stay humble and grounded. I’m just an average guy who likes going to the gym.”

Witnessing first-hand his parents’ health issues and losing sight of his own health after a relationship breakdown, Tyler decided to get back on track and become as healthy as he could. Despite the judges saying he must be “genetically lucky”, his diet and exercise regime is far from effortless. There’s no calorie counting or macronutrient tracking in sight; instead he focuses on consuming organic food for his six to seven meals a day, and carb cycling. That old wives’ tale that if you eat your vegetables you’ll grow up to be big and strong? Well, a kilo of organic vegetables a day is keeping Tyler at the top of his game.

Karim El Barche, director of Discovery Health and Fitness in Cheltenham, posted a request for participants to join a 12-week transformation program; Tyler signed up and started the very next day with his new trainer. Fast forward 12 months, and Karim is now his coach and friend.

On stage with a sub 5 per cent body fat, he couldn’t have been prouder of himself. Tyler appreciates the support of his friends, colleagues and family, and the congratulations he’s received from his students has also been a major highlight for the quiet achiever.

And his motto? “Hard work affords much respect.”