Neil Picone

Neil Picone - IFBB Pro Wheelchair

  • Name : Neil Picone
  • Current Residence : Hunterdon County, New Jersey - USA
  • Birthday : November 26, 1980
  • Birthplace : Elk Grove Village, Illinois - USA
  • Disability : Paraplegic
  • Injury Date : October 6, 2007
  • Type of Injury : Spinal Cord Injury
  • Injury Level : T12
  • Contest Weight : 150 lbs | 68.1 kg
  • Off-Season Weight : 170 lbs | 77.2 kg
  • Year Started Training : 3 years as a para
  • Favorite Exercise : Hard to say , they all have good and bad points
  • Favorite Bodypart to Train : They all present a different challenge
  • Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003391683322
  • Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/neilpicone_ifbbpro/

Biography

My competitive nature led me to the racetrack to race motorcycles in my mid-twenties. I enjoyed the sport, and travel up and down the east coast and into Canada to participate in different track events. The sport incorporated many of the same fundamental as a bodybuilding; this is why I enjoyed the weekends at the track. On October 6, 2007, during a morning track session, I was involved in a violent accident that left me paralyzed from the waist down. This unforeseen event would forever change my way of life, but I was determined to concur the situation and return a productive lifestyle. I can proudly say that after many years of rehabilitation, struggle, and lifestyle adjustments, I am more determined now than ever to live a productive life and help others to do the same. Much of the determination and discipline that I used during my recovery stems back to my childhood athletic experiences. My main goal today is to raise awareness for people with disabilities and to motivate all people to strive for greatness in all their endeavors. This motivation has become the foundation of the passion I have for bodybuilding.

I was always involved with strength training throughout my life, whether it was as an NCAA athlete or on a personal fitness level. My love for bodybuilding evolved even further in 2009 when I began to focus on winning a National Championship as wheelchair athlete. My career as a Wheelchair Bodybuilder has started out on a great note by winning the 2011 CTS. I am excited to be on this stage today, and I am looking forward to putting on great show. I am here today not only to put on a great show, but aid in motivating others to pursue their dreams and goals. Raising awareness for disabled sports has driven me to work harder, longer, and relentlessly.

Outside of Bodybuilding I have partnered in a Non-profit organization named “PIPEdreams & CONquest.” We are helping disabled athletes obtain the adaptive sporting equipment they need to succeed. I try to be active within the community as well. Participating in 5K, 10K, and 40mi hand cycle races for charity have been activities I’ve involved myself in since 2008. I hope to continue to give back to those in need in the future. Currently I am completing my second degree in Business Sports Management, and plan on getting involved within the adaptive equipment industry. I am excited to see what my future holds.

I’d like to thank all the people that helped get me here today. My coach Steve Ioannou and Team Provo, you really made this prep stress free. Dwayne and Greg from Diamond Gym, you guys were always willing to help in any way you could. My family and friends, you never gave up on me and supported me every step of the way. Thanks everyone!

Q&A'S

  • What happened? Why are you in the Wheelchair?

    Motorcycle accident in 2007

  • Why did you get started?

    Always look to challenge myself

  • What made you want to become a Wheelchair Bodybuilder?

    Dedication, discipline, and raising awareness

  • How did you go about doing it?

    Proper coaching and diet management

  • What motivates you?

    Winning Nationals, Going Pro, Motivating all to be proactive in all their endeavors

  • Do you have any suggestions or tips for others?

    Stay focus, and you'll find the sky is the limit to your success. Train with intensity....................


Contest history

• Amateur Contest History

2012 NPC Muscle Beach : 1st Place

2012 NPC Wheelchair Nationals : 1st Place


• IFBB PRO Contest History

2014 IFBB Dallas Pro : 2nd Place

2012 IFBB Houston Pro : 3rd Place


Videos