A 21-year-old man from Borden-Carleton is Canada's new junior bodybuilding champion.

Johnny Doull earned his spot at nationals, Aug. 18 in Edmonton, Alta., after winning a regional championship.

Doull — who weighs in at 247 pounds — said he believes there were a couple of reasons he won the title.

"I can't imagine anyone working harder than me," Doull said. "I've been really gifted with good genetics, too, I believe, and I'm really thankful for that."

The newly-crowned Junior Mr. Canada trains at Bedeque Total Fitness gym, but works with trainer Andrew Pierce of Fredericton, N.B., mainly through online sessions.

Johnny Doull credits his own hard work as well as support from friends and the community for his bodybuilding success. (Sarah Keaveny-Vos/CBC)

Bodybuilding takes total commitment and focus, Doull said.

"You have to completely alter your everyday lifestyle to fit the needs and criteria of being a body builder. So, you need to get into a healthy eating routine every day, get used to training really hard every day, hours upon hours," Doull said.

Doull said he is thankful for the support from friends and family in the community, including his four major sponsors — Bedeque Total Fitness, Dawson Produce, Tri-Tech services and D & E Pork Limited.

"The people who support me, support me to the fullest. And this sport is a very individual sport, self-disciplined sport, so any support you can get from anyone is so great, you know," Doull said.

"It feels unreal to have the support of a lot of the Island behind me and to make them proud makes me feel good too."

Doull said the sport completely changed his life. He said he loves talking to children — especially those who have had troubled pasts — to encourage them to find a passion in life.

"I didn't have the easiest past, but I found something that I just love to do and I love to work at it. So, these kids need to know they just have to find what they love to do out there and strive to be the best at it and have some fun with it at the same time."

Doull's next short-term goal is to train for the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic in Ohio, taking place at the end of February.

But his ultimate dream is to become a professional bodybuilder.

"I think I have what it takes to be more in the sport."