As a child, Austin McGowan was insecure. Born with albinism, his skin has no pigment and he has very poor vision, and at school, he always had to wear suncream and sunglasses
But now a 26-year-old man, Mr McGowan from Springfield, Illinois, USA, believes he is 'the strongest albino alive'.
It's quite the claim for sure, but the 6ft tall, 16 stone man mountain backs it up, declaring he can bench press almost 200kgs... that said, he also reckons he's 'related to the creator of this world', so you know, pinch of salt.
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But Mr McGowan encourages anyone who doesn't believe he's the strongest albino alive to prove him wrong.
He said: "I believe with all my heart I am the strongest albino alive.
"I've been calling myself this for years, it's all over YouTube and Google etc, and no one has yet to challenge me but I would love to display my strength and dominance.
"My albino genetics definitely played a key role.
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"When I started being able to do things like bench press 435lbs with no spotter, I became convinced my strength was God-given.
"I definitely believe I am related to the creator of this world."
Mr McGowan started weightlifting when he was just 12, after he received the gift of every 12-year-old's dreams - dumbbells. In a bid to emulate his WWE heroes, he joined a gym the following year and has been committed ever since.
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He credits his hobby with improving him both physically and mentally.
He said: "I never faced too many fitness-related challenges - I was a natural that started improving right away. I always had good grades and friends at school, but there were people that made me feel different and that made me insecure.
"My hobby has helped me become a mentally and physically strong individual. It has shown me discipline and patience.
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"It has changed my appearance and the way I look at some aspects of life. But I consider myself different, because my look is refreshing and unique.
"For me, this is something I love doing - it's a lifestyle."
But while the benefits of keeping fit and bettering yourself apply to all of us, Mr McGowan - who lives with his girlfriend, his two-year-old daughter and his three-month-old son - thinks it is especially important for the disadvantaged to overcome hurdles in life.
He said: "People with albinism typically have awful vision, with most of us legally blind.
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"I think it's important for people like me with a disadvantage to tackle challenging obstacles to show people like us anything is possible."
So hats off to the self-professed 'strongest albino alive'.
Featured Image Credit: CatersTopics: Interesting, US News, Community, Fitness