Thirsk bodybuilder Paul Remmer wins British championships

Paul Remmer, from Thirsk, North Yorkshire, secured the trio of titles at a competition in Milton Keynes on April 12.

The fitness model and former world champion is now preparing to compete for another global title in High Wycombe on November 7.

Paul Remmer with his three British titles (Image: PAUL REMMER)

Mr Remmer, who first spoke publicly in 2016 about being raped as a child by a trusted family friend, has since used fitness as a way to rebuild his life.

His abuser, Graham Pipes, was jailed in 2015 after admitting offences against Mr Remmer and another child.

Speaking after his latest success, Mr Remmer said his achievements in competition are about more than winning titles.

Paul Remmer with his world titles (Image: Stuart Boulton)

“I came out of retirement to do this competition, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could still do it,” said Mr Remmer.

“I still carry my past every day, but competing helps me manage it.

“If my story helps one person, then it’s worth it. People need to know there is help out there.”

Mr Remmer reported the abuse to police in 2011, but the case initially collapsed due to lack of evidence, leaving him in a “very dark place”.

Paul Remmer with his world titles (Image: Stuart Boulton)

In 2013, he attempted to take his own life.

A year later, a second victim came forward, leading to the case being reopened and ultimately resulting in Pipes being jailed.

Despite the conviction, Mr Remmer said his recovery took years and required intensive therapy.

With the support of counsellor Dave Taylor, he began to rebuild his life, later turning to fitness as a way of coping with trauma.

Dave Taylor and Paul Remmer with the book ‘Breaking The Silence – A Champions Journey’ (Image: Stuart Boulton)

He has since gone on to compete internationally, becoming a world champion fitness model.

His latest three-title win marks another milestone in that journey, as he looks ahead to November’s World Championships.

Mr Remmer has also shared his experiences in a book, Breaking The Silence, A Champion’s Journey, written with Mr Taylor, which details his recovery and aims to support others.

It was the aftermath of bringing out the book that motivated him to compete again.

“I had a bit of a struggle after bringing out the book,” Mr Remmer added.

“Having to relive such an awful part of my life and then having people coming up to you while you’re in Tesco and saying that you’re an inspiration – it’s lovely, but it’s very overwhelming.

“People would message saying that I was an inspiration. I’ve always struggled to take compliments, so it was very tough.

Breaking The Silence – A Champions Journey (Image: Stuart Boulton)

“I spiralled a little bit and knew I had to focus myself by competing again. I was starting to miss it.

“So, before Christmas, I cut out the booze, which I kept up for more than 120 days, and started training every day from 3.30am, going to work and then training some more.

“It was brutal, but it’s all worth it.

“I was fully focused on the British Championships.”

After landing the British championships and still training, he decided to book in for the world championships and try to retain his title.

The bodybuilder has called this competition his “last dance” and says that it would potentially be his last event, which he’ll go to with all of his family.

“I want to go out on a high with all of my family at the world championships,” he said.