Where in the world is Frank McGrath?
Hereceived his IFBB Pro Card in 2003, but we have only seen him compete as a pro three times since then.
When his name comes up, there is usually talk of a car accident or a torn triceps.
I tracked down Frank to see how he’s doing, and what he’s been up to lately.
Read on to see how his recovery is going, why he’s competed so few times over the years, and what he says about competing again…
AZ: You turned pro by in 2003 by winning the Super Heavyweight and the Overall at the CBBF Canadian Championships. To my knowledge, you have only competed as a pro three times since then. Why so few times?
FM: I have only competed three times as a pro due to personal issues, health, and injuries. I also did not have the guidance I needed, and truly wasn’t mentally ready to get on stage.
I always trained my body, but I didn’t train my mind. Without one or the other, you can’t succeed.
I turned pro in 2003 at the Canadian Nationals.
As I was away from my hometown and getting ready to get on stage, I was unaware that my father had suffered a major stroke. My family had agreed not to tell me until after my show. They did not want me to be stressed.
After it was over, I contacted my family to give them the great news, only to get the shocking news of my father being in the hospital from a major stroke.
At this point, all I could do was go home and be with my family.
My father is my biggest fan and supporter; doctors told me that he stayed awake and fighting waiting to hear how I placed.
Once my father became ill, it really took a toll on my entire family. The gym really wasn’t a priority at this point. For almost a year, we really stayed strong, together, as family, to support my father.
AZ: You’re known for having a small waist, something not a lot of pros can boast. Is this important to you?
FM: Having a small waist is very important to me; it gives the illusion of bigger physique.
I always liked the old-school physiques, when every pro had a small waist, I like the shoulder-to-waist ratio that gives you a great v-taper look. This is simply my preference; the look I like.
AZ: I hear you tore your triceps. Is that correct? Did you have surgery, and how is that injury coming along?
FM: I tore my triceps tendon while training, days before the 2008 Arnold Classic.
Initially, I was misdiagnosed. Once I realized that it wasn’t getting any better, I went to get a second opinion and learned that half my tendon was torn off.
At this point, I had surgery, but unfortunately the surgeon wasn’t able to re-attach the entire tendon.
AZ: I also hear you were involved in a terrible car crash.
FM: On February 25 2009, a driver from oncoming traffic t-boned me on the driver side of my car.
The fire department had to use the Jaws of Life to get me out.
AZ: How long were you in the hospital?
FM: I was in the hospital for over a month.
AZ: That’s a long time to be in the hospital. What kind of injuries did you sustain?
I had to have my arm stitched back together, as a huge piece of skin was missing. My lung was collapsed, and there was damage to my left shoulder. I lost over three liters of blood
My spleen was so badly damaged that it had to be removed. It could have ruptured inside me, and you can die within minutes if that happens.
AZ: How is recovery going?
FM: Recovery is going well.
I have most of my size back.
I’m back at the gym, and training is going really well.
AZ: When will we see you compete again, or will we?
FM: As for competing again, that’s a question I seem to get a lot!
2011?
I guess you’ll have to wait and see!!
AZ: What’s going on in your life outside of bodybuilding?
FM: Outside of bodybuilding, I’m a pretty laid back guy.
When I’m not training, I like to spend time with my girlfriend, enjoy dinners, and hang out with friends.
I'm a movie fanatic, and I've been known to play Xbox now and then, HA!
Pro Contest History:
2009 - Tampa Bay Pro - 9th
2007 - Iron Man Pro
2004 - Toronto Pro Classic - 12th
(2003 - Earned Pro Card @ Canadian Nationals)
Click HERE to see MD’s gallery of images for Frank.