Name: John Aiello
Nickname: The Phenom
Date of Birth: February 22, 1989
Residence: Toronto, ON, Canada
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
Contest Weight: 195 lbs. (88 kg)
Off-Season Weight: 240 lbs. (109 kg)

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I've always been a competitive athlete. From receiving the athletics award in middle school to competing at the national and international level in the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, there's always been a competitive part of me that strives to be the best in whatever I do.

I attended St. Michael's College School, a private all boy's school in Toronto where the principles of goodness, discipline and knowledge were instilled in me. Being at St. Mike's, I was exposed to a very strong academic and athletic community as well as a highly competitive environment. It was here that my foundation was built. Developing into a "St. Michael's Man" gave me the determination to apply myself. I started weightlifting at the St. Mike's gym and instantly became passionate about it.

My mentor, IFBB Pro Mike Van Wyck was the first to notice my genetic potential and he introduced me to his trainer, "The Canadian Guru" Darren Oliver. Darren unfortunately passed away December 8th 2011.

For me, Darren was much more than a trainer. He was my best friend – he's family to me. We trained together every single day. He even gave up his Friday and Saturday nights to train me and we both agreed there's nowhere else we'd want to be more than in the gym those nights anyway. He believed in me as an athlete but I also believed in him as a coach and that's why we make a good team. Together we have proven to be unbeatable so far. We are very like-minded in that we both strongly believe you only get out what you put in. Training with Darren was a dream, I can't stress enough that my Overall wins were a team effort. He really brought out the best of my potential. I am very thankful to have had Darren come into my life. I still feel his presence during every workout.

I am now preparing for the Canadian Nationals with Hany Rambod and my new trainer IFBB Pro Bob Weatherill. I'm so happy to be part of the MUTANT Family, together we all make a strong team and are looking to do some damage at this year's Canada's!