At 86, four-time Mr Australia Victor Vella has no plans to slow down.
More than seven decades after first lifting weights, the former bodybuilding champion continues to exercise regularly, maintaining a passion for fitness.
The Woody Point resident’s remarkable journey began in Malta, where he was born into a family of 12 children during World War II. Food shortages and rationing left him undernourished and frequently unwell. At 12, he began weightlifting, following in the footsteps of his brothers.
Vic said bodybuilding required considerable dedication, particularly when competitors received little financial support.
“My brothers had a gym in the garage,” he said. “There were similar gyms around, nothing like the gyms of today. I did enjoy the regime and the hard work, but it was not easy.”
His dedication paid off when he won Mr South Australia in 1958, followed by three consecutive Mr Australia titles in 1960, 1961 and 1962.
Global Competition, Business Success, and Lifelong Fitness Habits
In 1963, Vic travelled to London to compete in Mr Universe, becoming the first Australian to enter the competition and finishing fifth. Without sponsorship, he funded the trip himself, taking four years to repay the loan. He returned to win his fourth Mr Australia title in 1967.
Vic’s bodybuilding career opened doors in the fitness industry. He joined Silhouette/World Health Studios as an instructor before becoming a manager and eventually purchasing the business. The company offered personalised fitness programs alongside saunas, steam rooms, massage services and beauty treatments.
Vic said his proudest achievements went beyond bodybuilding titles.
“I later became a manager and they offered me an incentive to buy the company,” Vic said. “I did end up owning the company and I employed 18 instructors.
“My greatest achievement is growing up fit and healthy, owning a business and employing people.”
He sold the company in the early 1980s but continued exercising, a habit he maintains to this day. His routine includes workouts at home and sessions in a hydrotherapy pool, often beginning before sunrise.
After 70 years of training, Vic remains convinced of the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle.
“It is beneficial to start exercising at an early age and eat healthily,” he said.
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