Kamel Dickinson is determined to seize his new lease of life as a bodybuilder after finally moving on from his boyhood dreams of becoming a professional wrestler being dashed.

Four years on from the heartbreaking realisation that his burgeoning career with the iconic World Wrestling Entertainment was over, just a year after it had began, Dickinson is now preparing to fly out to Columbus, Ohio to take part in the The Arnold Classic Worldwide, the world’s largest multi-sport festival.

Having taken up bodybuilding just over a year ago, the 32-year-old made an immediate impression, claiming second place in the Men’s Physique division at last year’s Night of Champions event at the Fairmont Southampton.

“It’s like a new lease of life really, and I’m really enjoying this being my new focus,” said the 32-year-old, who became the first Bermudian to sign with the WWE.

“I suffered a really bad concussion early on and then they kept happening. I didn’t want to let anyone know because I knew that would create doubt about my ability to wrestle.

“Once the coaches found out, I knew that was the start of the end for me. It was my lifelong dream to get into the WWE and once I had been cut I was heartbroken.

“I didn’t really know what to do with myself for two years. I was painting houses, I thought of running martial arts shows and then I fell into bodybuilding.

“I’d always loved lifting weights as part of my previous training and so it felt like a natural transition.

“The Bermuda Night of Champions was my first event, and the result was really promising.

“It’s funny because people told me I’d never be a wrestler and then people told me I was silly trying to be a bodybuilder.

“I want to prove people wrong and that has given me an extra motivation to succeed. I want to be an inspiration and show people to go out and follow your dreams, even if you fail.”

Under the guidance of trainer Carmichael Bryan and support of fellow bodybuilder Monica Teixeria, who is also competing at the event, Dickinson has been on an intensive programme to get ready for the competition, which will see hundreds of hopeful amateurs take to the stage trying to make their mark.

Interestingly, Dickinson revealed as well as being in the best possible shape, he will also be leaning on his acting background, having graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, in 2011, to help him standout.

“Monica mentioned she was heading to the Arnold Classic and so I thought why not give it a go,” added Dickinson, who works as a personal trainer under the company name Cut2Fit

“She’s been a great help to me and is always willing to give me advice if I ask for it.

“Funnily enough, the acting background certainly helps with bodybuilding. I’m on the stage again, just a different kind of stage.

“As with wrestling, you have to stand out, so anything that can help me do that is a bonus. I have to use all my skills.

“It is not as much of a persona as the wrestling but I definitely have to put on an act. Part of the bodybuilding is definitely an act to an extent.

“There will be loads of competitors at the Arnold Classic and so I’ve got to catch the judges eyes in one way.”

Reflecting on his aspirations for the event Dickinson is well aware of the task in hand but is determined to make the most of the opportunity to take part in the iconic event.

He is also relishing the chance to pick the brains of legendary bodybuilder and film star Arnold Schwarzenegger, for who the event is named after.

“It will be a great learning experience and just to be part of the whole event will be incredible, it will really help with my development,” he said.

“I’d love to get into the top five, that would be amazing, but just having the experience of going will be great.

“I’ve also got tickets for a Q&A with Arnold. I’m hoping to learn a lot about his experiences.”