Skill swap of a lifetime sends athlete to Mr Universe

Devon's Natural Mr Universe Ed Akay has turned coach to help the man who guided him to bodybuilding success secure a place on the international stage.

Matthew White, the Rotherham-based founder of MW Strength & Performance, has qualified to represent Great Britain at the 2027 IBFA Mr Universe in Italy following an impressive appearance at the IBFA GB Barnsley Colliery Classic.

The achievement represents a remarkable reversal of roles for White and Akay, whose partnership began six years ago with a charity body transformation challenge.

White initially helped Akay rebuild his physique while raising money for good causes. What was intended to be a one-off project developed into a highly successful coach-and-athlete partnership, with White guiding Akay to the Natural Mr Universe title, a World Championship silver medal and three British natural bodybuilding championships.

After several years away from competition, White was inspired by the achievements of the athletes he had coached and decided to return to the stage in 2026.

His comeback quickly gathered momentum. He won the Junior Masters class at the UKUP Natural Championships before earning his invitation to compete at the IBFA Mr Universe through his performance at the Barnsley Colliery Classic. 

Now Akay, based in Sidmouth, is using the experience gained throughout his championship career to support his long-time coach. He has taken on the roles of posing coach and agent, helping White refine his stage presentation and prepare for the challenges ahead. 

White plans to continue competing at events across the UK before travelling to Italy to represent Great Britain in 2027, with Akay playing a central role throughout the preparations. Kyle Vice, of the IBFA GB Barnsley Colliery Classic, said: 

“Matthew has great potential to go further in this sport and will be a strong competitor in the physique category. It was a pleasure to have him on stage at my show and an even greater pleasure to hand him his invite to compete for the Universe title in Italy.” 

Akay said the opportunity to coach the man who had contributed so much to his own success had been a special experience. “After all our success over the past two years, it felt surreal acting as a coach for a guy who gave so much to me."