He prepared for the competition by himself this time around, without the help of a coach, and was instead joined by athletes he coached.
Foulkes works as an online coach and personal trainer.
“It was a big achievement being able to do that by myself,” he said. “As well as prepping clients into the same show.”
Three of his clients competed at the competition, including Tracey Van Leeuwen, who won a pro card in the women’s body fitness, or “figure” category.
Foulkes, who now lives in Perth, began his career in bodybuilding in Whanganui, where he grew up.
He said following struggles with mental health, he began going to the gym regularly and quickly became hooked.
“I just fell in love with it and then fell in love with helping others achieve the same kind of results that I had,” he said.
“Then when I competed for the first time, I fell in love again and I just knew that that’s what I was supposed to be doing.”
The IFBB Mr Universe Australia was his 16th show.
He was accompanied by his partner, Jasmin Harris, and their three children.
He plans to compete in his first pro competitions next year.
He said he hopes to compete in as many pro competitions over the next five years as he can and “travel the world and compete with my family”.
He said his ultimate goal is to be crowned world champion in his weight class – the under 90kg division.
