The debate about genetics being one of the key elements of bodybuilding has always been there in the fitness industry. However, in the process of crediting genetics, sometimes one does tend to forget the hard work that a bodybuilder has put into their physique. When Mike O’Hearn met with a similar accusation about his excellence stemming from genes alone, the bodybuilder retorted how he believed otherwise.

He has always been open about how he liked to read and study about bodybuilding. Thus, his hard work for the sport went beyond just lifting weights within the walls of the gyms. As the bodybuilder once again talked about his hard work having had a bigger role to play than his genetics, this time, most fans took the side of the bodybuilder, understanding his explanation about the work that he had put in.

Even O’Hearn finds it hard to believe how shredded he was in his teens

In a recently uploaded YouTube short, O’Hearn was asked about why his hard work and accomplishments usually get discredited by fans who call it “Genetics.” O’Hearn replied while putting himself in his fans’ point of view. He talked about how it often becomes hard for him to believe how he looked in the photos from his teens. He said, “They see a photo, they see a moment in time. Even for me when I look at something and I’ll see these videos of me as a teenager competing and I’m like, ‘Oh, okay, It’s been a long time!'”

Moreover, O’Hearn also told the interviewer that he became the bodybuilder that he is currently because he never stopped being consistent. Although his progress was slow, it was progress indeed. O’Hearn stated, “It’s hard to comprehend that I’m just that guy that never gave up and just consistently moved slowly, but consistently moved forward.”

Below the video, as many commented to argue about genetics being a major reason for someone’s physical transformation, a great many fitness enthusiasts also understood Mike O’Hearn’s point of view and supported the ever-youth bodybuilder.

Fitness community supports Mike O’Hearn

A fan declared how despite the allegations of O’Hearn being on gear, he was the epitome of commitment, “Gear or no gear you can’t knock his hard work and dedication.” Another person complimented the former Mr. Univers winner for the positivity he always portrayed and said, “I love the positivity. Especially in the face of so much negativity. Cool guy. And so so consistent. Which is exactly what made him what he is. Consistency. Love the guy.”

Another fan revealed how he wasn’t worried about O’Hearn’s natty status, but in fact was inspired by the way he worked for gradual progress. “I don’t care if Mike is natty or not, I love his dedication and mindset toward training. That alone makes him an inspiration. Reminds us that it’s worth continually pushing forward looking for small improvements one step at a time, rather than being dissatisfied that we’re not at our ultimate goal yet,” they wrote. A fitness enthusiast pointed out how Mike O’Hearn was at war with himself all the time, signifying his battle to always get better. They said, “The guy is just winning against himself. He didn’t ask for war, he does intend to win. Mike for president.”

READ MORE: “She Is a Freaking Animal”: Proud Dad of a Genetically Gifted Kid, Mike O’Hearn Credits Wife for His 4-YO Child’s Freaky Genes

Earlier, O’Hearn had talked about how his siblings having the same genetics as him, did not look shredded like him at all, proving that genetics alone cannot prepare a ripped physique like the one he currently has. That being said, even if O’Hearn divides the internet time to time, none can deny the fact that his physique is as ripped as one can get.

WATCH THIS STORY: 76YO Arnold Schwarzenegger Agonizes Pain for $20 Million Film Despite Already Being A Millionaire At The Time