Up Close with Vince Torres

How did you get started with modeling/fitness and what is your biggest accomplishment?

My parents introduced me into fitness at a very young age. I struggled with being overweight for almost my entire childhood, so they decided to get me into swimming. However, I didn’t enjoy it and always saw it as an obligation I had to fulfill to look like the other kids.

My fitness passion really started three years ago, after touching rock bottom and going through a severe depression that made me suicidal. It was caused by my work circumstances at that time, and working out daily got me out of that darkness. That is, by far, my biggest achievement. I was able to break through that situation and I landed my dream job! Fitness gave me the strength that I needed, and it keeps doing it every day ever since.

What are some of your favorite experiences in the modeling/fitness industry?

Being able to collaborate with photographers. Being in control of all the factors that weigh into creating that perfect image: the lighting, the pose, the clothing, the environment, but at the same time trusting the photographer. It’s teamwork at its finest, and I see it as a way of self-expression.

What do you do when you’re not at the gym?

I love going on long walks with my dog around East London’s parks and canals.
Reading. My latest book recommendation: Bad Habit by Alana S. Portero.
Being creative! Arts and crafts, designing and creating stuff.
I was raised by the Mediterranean in Spain, so I feel a deep connection with the sea. Snorkeling and sailing make me the happiest person on earth, but I don’t do it as often as I’d like.

Photo by Omer Gaash, courtesy of @vince.torres

What is your daily routine to maintain this physique of yours?

I integrated an early morning gym session as part of my daily routine. It makes me feel accomplished and ready for the day. I wake up at 5:40am and go to the gym from 6:30 – 8:30 am. I know a lot of my neighbours, so I enjoy catching up with them every morning at the gym.

I work as a Mechanical Design Engineer from 9 am – 5 pm. It’s an office job, so I really need those morning gym sessions to keep me active. I try to go to bed early and I don’t usually go out weekdays, I’m boring! I love following a strict routine, and I guess that is the key to success. 🙂

What came first: the world of social media or the world of modeling/fitness? What is it that fans & followers enjoy most about your posts and what is it you enjoy sharing with them?

I guess that social media came first. Like any other gay person full of insecurities, I was seeking validation. As toxic as it sounds, the truth is that in the back of my mind I have that inner voice telling me that I’m still that fat kid that doesn’t deserve to be loved. Modeling was just a consequence.

I’ve been told that they like the fact that I’m not full of myself, I’m very approachable and I treat everyone with kindness and respect. I enjoy the creative process and projecting the best version of myself.

Do you consider yourself a romantic type? What’s your idea of a perfect date?

Yes, definitely. I love the idea of a hiking date. Being able to put our phones away, slow down and have more meaningful conversations. Spending time in nature and camping under the stars.

Photo by Omer Gaash, courtesy of @vince.torres

You’ll represent England at the upcoming Mister Universe pageant. How did you get involved in this?

I was contacted by President Jino C. Cabrera. To be honest, I was a bit embarrassed at the beginning. I have tattoos, body hair and I’m far from perfect. Jino reassured me that they are not looking for the perfect contestant, but it is all about regarding our own imperfections not as a weakness but as a unique gift that has the power to inspire others. This is what convinced me to participate.

Do you happen to know any of the other contestants?

I don’t know any of the contestants, but I cannot wait to meet them all in September and make deep connections. Getting to know people from around the world is one of the most enriching aspects about this experience.

What does it mean to you, and to your country, if you were to win the title?

I think that I’m the perfect representation of modern Britain. A country that embraces diversity and multiculturalism as a driving force of development. I moved to London from Spain at the age of 22, looking for a better future. It has not been a bed of roses, but through it all I came out stronger. Now I have dual citizenship and I feel that I truly belong to both countries. Representing my adoptive country in an international contest means the world to me. I love England, its values, and its people with all my heart.

What’s next for you and where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Being openly gay in the early 2000s led to situations in which I was made to feel ‘dirty’ and deserted. For this reason, if I win this contest I will be donating 10% of the prize to ‘akt’, the only national charity specializing in LGBTQ+ homelessness. I really want to help the LGBTQ+ youth overcome any obstacles that they may encounter for being their authentic selves.

I see myself in 5 years using my platform to give voice to those that are ignored and neglected, and to help mitigate the aggressions that the LGBTQ+ community is suffering.

Instagram: @vince.torres