Competing in his first show in eight years, Tommy Tognietti of Salinas finished fourth in the Masters National Bodybuilding Championships in Pittsburgh.
"I just came out of retirement to do the show," said Tognietti. "I hadn't competed in eight years. But I've never stopped training."
A 1978 Palma graduate, Tognietti, 42, has been weight training for 22 years. He spent eight months training for this show as a heavyweight (218 pounds).
"I had the best physique of the 22 guys," Tognietti said. "There were two guys that were crisper. I'll win that show next year. I learned how to peak for a show."
A former two-time California amateur champion, Tognietti has his eyes set on earning a pro card. Just seven are given out each year.
"It's a goal I've had for 22 years," said Tognietti. "There are no shortcuts. If you work out 20 years, you're going to have a beautiful physique. But it takes that long."
