Jamie Christian Johal, also known as GIANT, is an IFBB Pro Bodybuilder from Derbyshire. A former firefighter turned bodybuilder. Jamie started in athletics, especially in Shot Put, competing at a high level. He turned to football shortly before finally settling for bodybuilding.
Considered one of the tallest IFBB Pro builders, Jamie from Gladiators stands at 6 feet 5 inches. He started competing in 2009 and turned pro following his win in 2018 at the Amateur Olympia in San Marino, Italy.
He has competed against some of the best in the game across the globe. In 2020, he came in fourth at the British Grand Prix. In 2021, he finished ninth and eighth at the Puerto Rico Pro and Arnold Classic UK. In 2022, he finished fourth and sixth at the Yamamoto Nutrition Pro and Arnold Classic UK respectively.
For a man his size, you would expect a diet plan different from the average person, which is true. In an interview, he revealed he feasts on a staggering 6,400 calories per day to meet the high energy demand of his lifestyle. This is more than thrice the amount recommended for an adult male.
His diet is carefully structured to support his intense body-building goals. Jamie’s diet usually comprises protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. He incorporates complex carbohydrates to maintain optimal energy levels. He emphasises lean sources such as fish, turkey, and chicken breast for protein.
Named Giant on the TV show, he will be bringing his giant stature and personality to the show. For Jamie, being on a show he enjoyed watching as a kid is an honour, and he hopes to make the best out of it.
Although nicknamed Gentle Giant from the Midlands because of his nature, there is also his scary side. And he definitely won’t be holding back when the games start.
In addition to competing as a bodybuilder, he also coaches others on bodybuilding. In 2023, he collaborated with the 2017 World’s Strongest Man Champion, Eddie Hall, to do a bodybuilding video on back training.
He also owns Ilkeston Gym and Fitness in Wood Street which he runs together with his wife, Katie. For Jamie, strength and discipline should be a part of daily life. And a scroll through his Instagram page attests to this. He has over 140k followers on his IG (@akathegiant) . For more videos on his workout and diet, follow his YouTube channel.
