#COLLINNATION
Bodybuilding defines not only his physique, but his mind and spirit, too. The 25-year-old Collin Clarke won't let his disability define him or prevent him from helping encourage those like him – or just people who need a little extra motivation.
Collin Clarke receives the second coat of a spray tan applied by Shannon Tichenor, owner of Salon T in Newburgh, Ind., the day before his Indiana Muscle competition in March of 2018. No bodybuilder competes without a good spray tan which helps accentuate their muscles for the judges and audience as they compete.
Bodybuilder and fitness fan Collin Clarke of Evansville, Ind., leads attendees in a series of poses at the National Down Syndrome Convention in Sacramento, Calif., in July of 2017. Because of the reshaping of his lifestyle and his dedication to physical fitness, Collin has become a celebrity and even started his own inspirational brand #collinnation.
Calvin Phifer, 6, embraces his role model, Collin Clarke, after the last "5 for 5" exercise class at the University of Evansville in April of 2018. Calvin's mom, Dr. Kate Schwartzkopf-Phifer, is a physical therapist asst. professor at the school and created a workout program with the help of Collin. Calvin also looks to Collin for bodybuilding poses.
With his cat, Spidey, his only company, Collin sits down for a meal he cooked consisting of oatmeal, egg whites with a little cheese and hot sauce in May of 2018. His other cat, Willow, was napping upstairs. Collin is still watching his diet closely so he can make his next bodybuilding "cut" a little less of a strain.
Coach and training partner Jeff Kosor spots Collin during his bench press regime at Bob's Gym North in Jan of 2018. Bob's Gym is a second home for Collin since he both works and works out at the North Side business.
Collin couldn't remain seated once World Wrestling Entertainment newcomer Ronda Rousey appeared on the big screen television in Jeff Kosor's man cave in February of 2018. To say Collin is a big fan of the WWE would be an understatement. The WWE is what triggered his quest to become a bodybuilder.
Alex Rocha, owner and head barber at The Parlour Barbershop & Salon, puts the finishing touches on Collin's haircut in preparation for the annual event "A Night of Stars & Style" organized by SMILE for Down Syndrome. Besides the haircut, Collin had his beard removed with Rocha's straight razor.
Collin visits with Tess Fuller at an ice cream social at SMILE on Down Syndrome in Evansville in March of 2018. The two dated when they were younger, but are just good friends now.
A pre-meal prayer at Bru Burger in Evansville kicks off a lunch of steamed white rice and lean beaf – the combined meal weighing-in at exactly three ounces – for Collin with his final bodybuilding competition coming up in a few hours. Collin could barely contain his excitement at the thought of a real meal later that night.
Elastic bands offer Collin Clarke a way to both loosen up and pump up his muscles before taking the stage at Indiana Muscle in March of 2018. Once weighing in at more than 200 pounds with a sedentary lifestyle, Collin last competed in March of 2017 at 148 pounds.
Coach and training partner Jeff Kosor checks Collin's spray tan before getting a last-minute touch-up in the spray booth during the Indiana Muscle bodybuilding competition at the Old National Dress Plaza event in March of 2018.
Professional bodybuilder Derek Lunsford and Collin Clarke have a "pose-off" during Indiana Muscle in March of 2018. Lunsford is as big a fan of Collin as Collin is of him. Wayne Williams, also a professional, also took part in the moment. It was one of the best birthday presents the 25-year-old had ever received.