Derrick Hornback of Gore is undertaking an impressive journey in the fitness world.

Hornback is currently competing in the national Mr. Health and Fitness competition, and has advanced to the quarterfinals. He is now in the top one percent of participants.

The competition is based on online votes, with the winner receiving $20,000 and a cover for “Muscle & Fitness” magazine. Hornback is currently in second place.

While he is an extremely impressive athlete, Hornback has had to put in his blood, sweat and tears to get to where he is today.

Hornback always has had a passion for health and wellness, and he even majored in kinesiology in college. He ended up changing fields of work and put his passion on the back burner for years.

Hornback says that in his 30s, he decided he needed to make a change, which ended in him losing 40 pounds and focusing on going to the gym and eating well. His mother, Sharon Morgan, says that it was almost like her son had “an epiphany.”

After reincorporating his passion for fitness into his life, Hornback has not slowed down. He has become a certified nutritionist, personal trainer and teacher of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes. Hornback juggles his fitness ventures with being a father of three children and owner of a construction business.

Hornback’s latest venture is just one of many amazing accomplishments. The Mr. Health and Fitness competition is extremely prestigious, and Hornback is proud to be representing his community well.