The time spent preparing for a competition is always a series of grueling choices.
However, for athlete Shin Da-wit, this season was not merely a time to build his physique. Before stepping onto the stage, he stood before far heavier concerns.
During the season, his mother's health rapidly deteriorated.
He endlessly questioned himself whether continuing to compete was the right choice, or if he should set aside all preparation and stay by his family's side. In fact, he seriously considered opting to give up on competing.
What kept him moving forward again were words from his mother and family.
A single word of encouragement: "Stay strong until the end."
Thanks to those words, he steadied his uneasy heart and carried his stage appearances all the way to completion. While the results were something to be grateful for, the process was by no means light. He says that even now, he carries both an apologetic feeling and gratitude toward his mother.
On stage, he was objective.
"I felt that there are many people in the world who worked harder than me, and many athletes with better physiques."
Looking back on this season, he assessed that his own efforts were not enough. However, rather than frustration, that realization became the standard for what comes next.
Shin Da-wit achieved top placements across multiple weight classes, including 1st place in Classic Physique and 2nd place in the Grand Prix at the 2025 MUSA Gunpo contest, and continued to produce steady results at PCA Changwon and the Apex Omega Finals. Looking at the results alone, it was a season thoroughly proven, yet he is not satisfied with this.
His sights are already set on the future.
"For 2026, my goal is naturally 1st place. And I will show an improved form in at least one small aspect, with zero regression."
His goal is simple: relentless growth over flashiness.
This season left a meaning beyond records.
Times when he was shaken as an athlete on stage, and as a son off the stage. The very fact that he embraced all those moments and saw things through to the end defines Shin Da-wit's season.
A single sentence he spoke best summarizes this season:
"There will never be regression."
Just like those words, his next season has already begun in attitude before results.