'The re-creation of my physique, from frail to aesthetically pleasing brought me many new opportunities.'
Born in Belarus, Antipov emigrated with his family to the U.S. at the age of 13. He didn’t know anyone, let alone how to speak English. Years later, he moved to New York City, where he picked up a bartending gig while striving to kick-start a modeling career. Struggling to get regular modeling gigs, Anton's agent suggested he look into physique competitions. Antipov saw it as an opportunity to combat his fear of being in the spotlight.
As fate would have it, a co-worker suggested that he tag along to check out a men’s physique show that he was competing in the following day. The two worked through the night and then headed to the show at 6 a.m. the next morning. Caught up in the moment, Antipov registered to compete on the spot—he paid for a tan and asked his cousin to pick him up a pair of boardshorts. He placed fourth. The rest as they say is history,
