Julio Cesar Balestrin - New Brazilian Champion

Julio Balestrin - New Brazilian Champion by Andrew Michalak Julio Cesar Balestrin de Freitas is a new international bodybuilding star from Brazil. He lives in Santo Andre, an industrial city located 18 km away from Sao Paulo. He started to compete in 2001 at the Sao Paulo Championships, finishing 2nd in the newcomers class. In 2004 he won these Championships as well as the Brazilian Nationals – both also in overall category. And in 2007, after winning his second national title (in +100 kg class) he went to his first IFBB World Championships in Jeju, taking the 7th place in the super heavyweight category. This year is also successful for him. First, he won the 39th Brazilian Championships in the super heavyweight category and in overall, then he took part in the 34th South American Championships and also took the overall title. Julio was Jiu-Jitsu fighter and wrestler in his youth, before he started weight training. Presently, he trains in the Nautilus Physique Culture Center in Santo Andree and is preparing for the upcoming World Men’s Championships in Bahrain, where he will be a demanding challenger for the top world champions.