“These tattoos weren’t actually body art to begin with. I was in a triad, I did drugs, and I was in prison for about six years between the ages of 15 and 21.

For the first few years of my incarceration, I was doing manual labour like washing hospital clothes, but I got sick of it and wanted a better life for myself. I chose to do my N Level exams behind bars. Being a student in jail is actually easier because you can study and still have time for recreation.

You can say that I don’t come from a very clean background, but I believe it was fated that I did the things that I did. Coming out of that experience made me a better and stronger person physically and emotionally.  

When I was released, I made the choice to change my ways for my family, for my daughter, and for myself. I think I’ve done enough damage to them. My daughter is 10 now and she’s living with her mother.

Do I have anything to say to her? Firstly, I would like to apologise to her. I wish I could spend more time with her and be a better dad, but at this point of time, I’m still rebuilding my life and trying to make something for myself. Hopefully, she’ll understand my absence one day.

Right now, I just opened my own strength and conditioning facility called Strength Avenue. It’s more of a small studio for personal training as well as group classes. I’ve been doing this for 11 years now, and it’s is one of the few things that I excel in.

I built this dream from scratch, and although it’s a lot of hard work, I have no complaints. I didn’t do it alone, though. I’m very grateful for all the good people who believe in my teaching methodologies and stuck with me through thick and thin. I’m very grateful for their help.” – Andyn, 31