‘World’s strongest boy’ now unrecognisable after eight years of intense training
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    A bodybuilding eight-year-old, who was once dubbed "the world's strongest boy" and "Arnold Schwarz-nipper”, looks unrecognisable after continuing his training for eight more years.

    Brandon Blake, 16, is now pursuing a career in martial arts and has grown up to be a champion wrestler.

    Having the physique of a professional athlete from a remarkably young age clearly stood Brandon, from Kildare, Ireland, in good stead.

    READ MORE: World's toughest boy 'Little Hercules' living very different life 22 years after fame

    He is now a three-time Irish wrestling champion and British wrestling champion, according to his Instagram.

    A post from October, when he took gold at the Irish wrestling open, reveals just how dominant a competitor he is after he wiped the floor with his opponents.

    It reads: "I won all matches by technical superiority. 10-0. 10-0. 14-4. The final was a tough battle against a very skilled wrestler."

    Another post from September is equally impressive, with Brandon revealing he took gold at the Jiu Jitsu European Championships, despite admitting: "I haven't actually been training Jiu Jitsu that much recently."

    Brandon's account is filled with posts of medals and trophies from his many martial arts wins, alongside pictures of him taking part in intense training regimes.

    He became an online phenomenon after fitness star Frank Medrano shared a picture of the then-eight-year-old on Facebook.

    Medrano wrote: "Ran into this lil guy's Instagram and put a big smile in my face.

    "Feels great to influence such a young generation and I hope he's living a happy and healthy life."

    At the time, Brandon said his favourite sport was gymnastics and he hoped to one day win a gold medal at the Olympics.

    He said: "I want to be able to do all the things which Frank can do and I also want to be really strong as well."

    Brandon’s father Mark, a former semi-pro footballer, said at the time: "Brandon was just delighted he was noticed by his hero. Not that he needed it, but it's motivated him even more.

    "He's a very active little boy and he doesn't do any weights. He is into gymnastics and that is where his physique comes from.

    "He's developed it over the past year – it is crazy looking at him. Brandon is happy and healthy and his core strength is amazing, he is an inspiration.

    "I put on a lot of weight and Brandon actually motivated me to lose it. He has been my son and my mentor.

    "But he is just an ordinary little boy who loves playing with his friends. There is a small element of people who are saying it is bad, but it is not – I think it sends a positive message.

    He added: "There is nothing excessive about what Brandon does and hopefully he will inspire others. It is completely natural and great that he has taken to it. It is to be celebrated."

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