By: Markos Papadatos
Drew Aggouras is an online fitness trainer and a fashion model. He chatted with HNA’s Markos Papadatos about his Greek roots, and repping Vermont in the inaugural 2024 Mister USA pageant.
“Being a fitness trainer and a model has been awesome,” Aggouras noted. “I started personal training because I found a love for fitness. When I was younger, I was a very insecure and small kid. I had a stutter and a lisp growing up. When I found the gym, it really changed my perspective on life and who I was.
“Now, I really want to instill that on other people. I want to help them build their confidence and get more comfortable in the gym,” he said.
“Being a model in the digital age is amazing because I am no longer this shy kid and I am able to put myself out there and show people who I am,” he said about being a part of the digital age. “It’s incredible what can happen when you put yourself out there. I love it!”
On representing Vermont in the 2024 Mister USA pageant, he said, “It feels fantastic. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of something like this.”
“Vermont is a beautiful place,” he admitted. “I’ve spent many winters there, especially on the slopes. I love it; the people are great there, and I cannot wait to represent Vermont in Mister USA.”
Mister USA is an American beauty pageant, which is held annually, and the winner goes on to represent the United States in the Mister Universe competition. It is a celebration of culture, diversity, beauty, intelligence and empowerment. They believe in the power of young leaders to make a difference in the world. It is not solely about outer beauty; it recognizes the inner beauty and intelligence of their contestants.
The finals will be held on August 11, 2024 in Hollywood. The winner of Mister USA will subsequently represent USA at “Mister Universe” competition in mid-September.
Each day, Aggouras is motivated by his desire to “try something new. Nobody lives forever, and nobody is perfect. Every day, you can try to be better than you were the day before. I try to live the way that my late friend had taught me to live. Unfortunately, he passed away, but he lived life to the fullest. I try to live every day like he did.”
“The world is not easy, the world is not kind but if you live each day like it’s your last, then you can make the most out of it,” he noted.
On his life or career-defining moments, he shared, “First and foremost, when I found the gym, that was a big turning point for me. Prior to that, I felt very alone and scared, but when I started going to the gym, I was able to focus on myself. That was a time for me to grow, a time for me to become better, and a time for me to become stronger.”
“Any time my blood started rushing or my heart started pumping a little faster, I knew I was doing the right thing,” he acknowledged. “Now, that was a big turning point for me. This is the path I am on, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Regarding his future plans, Aggouras revealed, “To continue to put myself out there and to show the world who I am. Also, to continue to inspire people to gain a love and passion for fitness in the same way that I have. I see myself opening up my own gym someday, where I can help people grow and get better. I want to help people from a holistic standpoint, to help enhance their body, mind, and spirit.”
On his Greek heritage, he stated, “My yiayia and papou came over from Kalamata, Greece, together. They came for more opportunities in life. My father was a first-generation Greek-American, who was born in America. Last month, we just celebrated Greek Easter and that was amazing. All the experiences that come with being Greek are very important to me.”
Kalamata is renowned as the land of the “Kalamatianos” dance, Kalamata olives, as well as Kalamata olive oil.
Regarding his definition of success, Aggouras said, “Success means to be happy and fulfilled in life. Success is combining my happiness and my will to help other people. If you find what you love in life, then you never work a day in your life. I want to love what I am doing every day and be fulfilled in it. I want to help as many people as possible, and also, to have a big family to share that with.”
If he were to have any superpower, it would be “to manipulate the odds.” “You create your own luck,” he said.
For his fans and supporters, Aggouras said, “The greatest things in life are a past fear. Fear is such a big block for many people and once they hit it, they go the other way. Keep pushing past fear, because the greatest things are across from fear.”
To learn more about Drew Aggouras, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.
Photo Credit: Paul Gerard Media
