Sixteen years ago, PD Devers stepped onto a bodybuilding stage for the first time, but it wasn’t until this year that he finally got his groove on and earned an IFBB Pro Card at the 2010 North Americans, taking both the light heavyweight class and the overall in the Masters Over 40 Division.

He certainly is a study in perseverance!

He relished the love and support he received growing up in what he refers to as a Leave it to Beaver household. His father was a minister, and his mother a school teacher.

He spent summer days convincing boys to race his sister, future track star, Gale Devers, which he says was very profitable!

Aside from training some of “the coolest clients this side of the Mississippi,” he is also a computer consultant or, nerd, as he would tell you!

He loves to ski and travel, and is looking forward to a brief rest period so he can eat, claiming he is greedy when it comes to food!

PD had just checked in to his hotel room in Sacramento this afternoon, when he took a few minutes to answer some questions for us.



AZ: I was reading through your website and saw that you mentioned male/female races as being more lucrative in your younger days. Did you set up poor, unsuspecting boys, knowing there was no way they could beat your sister? How much fun did you have with that?

PD: ANY boy in the neighborhood was slower than my sister! She was just that fast!
Because she kept to herself, no one knew how fast she was until they found themselves behind her!

It was definitely fun! I got neighbors to do my chores, bring stuff, or more exciting for me, bring food! I was really food-greedy back then!

AZ: I took a look at your contest history. We have it going as far back as 1994. Exactly how long did you compete before you got your card this year, and how thrilling was the moment you realized you finally earned that card?

PD: Eighteen years, with fourteen years of trying. My first show was in San Diego back in 1992, and my first National show was in 1996.

I took some years off in-between, but I always had my eye on turning pro before it was all over.

The funny part is that it STILL hasn’t hit me yet, even going into my second pro show!

Three weeks ago, my training partner won her pro card. There have been so many crazy events lately, and now I have yet another show!

AZ: After competing so long, what finally brought it all together for you? I mean, you placed 13th at the North Americans in 2009, but managed to take your class and the overall the very next year. What did you do differently?

PD: I got with all of the right people, and it all came together.

AZ: Who are those right people?

PD: My amazing training partner, Michelle Bates.

Chris Aceto, my nutritionist. He’s The True Guru……….and MORE!

iIFORCE Nutrition, my awesome sponsor.

Last, but not least, I decided it was time to “Claim It.”

I’ve always known that I could do this, but finally said “This Is It!!!!”

I cancelled my European trip, cut back on my computer projects, and made the North Americans my only priority.

AZ: You are well-known for your posing. Where did you learn your moves? Are you trained, or do you just have it naturally?

PD: I was trained once I taught myself - funny story!

When I was little, I was the stiffest kid, void of moves. Determined, I practiced forever, until I mastered the art of dancing.

My high school dance instructor noticed me, put me in class, and the rest was history!

AZ: You competed in a pro show almost immediately after getting your card. We’re seeing more and more guys wait a year or more after earning their card to compete. What made you decide to compete so soon, and are you glad you did?

PD: I competed right away, because I was already in shape and wanted to see immediately how I stacked up against other pros.

I’m very excited that I made the decision. I improved like crazy in two weeks, although it didn’t show on stage.

This is the second reason I’m glad. Two hours before the show, my look was crazy! I think I may have had first time nerves that interfered.

Now, that is out of the way, and I am back to the business of bringing my A-game!

AZ: Now, you’re just a few days away from your second pro show. How do you feel about it? Have you had time to make any changes since we last saw you?

PD: I feel great about the Sacramento Pro!

I spent the last seven weeks training heavy - especially back, glutes, and a few other body parts that needed a boost.

Game On!!!

AZ: Do you have a guru, or do you do it on your own?

PD: I work withChris Aceto. He has made my life so much easier. He says what to do, and I make sure it gets done.

THAT WORKS!!!

AZ: Is there anybody you would like to thank?

PD: I need to thank so many people: MD, iFORCE, my fans, friends, and family.
Since I have won, and my stories are flying around, so many people have told me how much I inspire them, and that inspires me too. I am thankful for that.

Also, I would like to thank my son and my amazing training partner, Michelle Bates - WE ROCK GIRL!