The greatest prize was waiting at home
Steven didn't enter #IWANTABZ 2026 because he wanted a trophy. In fact, he wasn't even planning to do the contest.
But life had other plans.
“My wife and I have been on a fertility journey for years. We were finally able to afford to take the next step and start the IVF process.”
The process involved countless appointments, difficult procedures, medications, and daily injections.
Steven watched his wife endure challenge after challenge. And he knew he couldn't take the burden away. But he could choose to embrace a challenge of his own.
“I wasn't going to do #IWANTABZ this year, but I decided that if she was going to endure something hard, I wanted to endure something too.”
So he signed up.
For the next 70 days, Steven balanced work, family responsibilities, IVF appointments, marathon training, and the daily demands of the contest.
Every evening, he administered the injections that helped move the IVF process forward.
“Having to inject my wife every night with a two-inch needle may have been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I knew it was for the greater good, but it was still incredibly difficult.”
There were plenty of reasons to quit.
The weather was brutal, the schedule was overwhelming, and the emotional toll was heavy.
“I didn't give 100% of my commitment to this contest, but I feel like I worked harder than I ever have and got the best results I've ever had.”
Those results were remarkable.
Steven lost 28 pounds. He reached the lowest bodyweight he's seen since middle school... more than 25 years ago. He also pushed himself outside his comfort zone and signed up for not one, but two marathons.
“I have been pulled in many different directions mentally, physically, and emotionally every day for the last 70 days. But I endured the suck and came out with a mindset that I'm ready to roll into the next chapter.”
Along the way, he inspired others in the community to challenge themselves as well.
But none of that is why Steven believes he won. Because while writing his contest entry, Steven shared the news that changed everything.
“My wife is officially 11 weeks pregnant.”
After years of waiting, uncertainty, and hoping.
“I may not win this contest. But I have won in life because my cup is full.”
“I am going to be a dad.”
The Story of Steven Hendrickson // 2026 #IWANTABZ
The greatest prize was waiting at home
Steven didn't enter #IWANTABZ 2026 because he wanted a trophy. In fact, he wasn't even planning to do the contest.
But life had other plans.
“My wife and I have been on a fertility journey for years. We were finally able to afford to take the next step and start the IVF process.”
The process involved countless appointments, difficult procedures, medications, and daily injections.
Steven watched his wife endure challenge after challenge. And he knew he couldn't take the burden away. But he could choose to embrace a challenge of his own.
“I wasn't going to do #IWANTABZ this year, but I decided that if she was going to endure something hard, I wanted to endure something too.”
So he signed up.
For the next 70 days, Steven balanced work, family responsibilities, IVF appointments, marathon training, and the daily demands of the contest.
Every evening, he administered the injections that helped move the IVF process forward.
“Having to inject my wife every night with a two-inch needle may have been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I knew it was for the greater good, but it was still incredibly difficult.”
There were plenty of reasons to quit.
The weather was brutal, the schedule was overwhelming, and the emotional toll was heavy.
“I didn't give 100% of my commitment to this contest, but I feel like I worked harder than I ever have and got the best results I've ever had.”
Those results were remarkable.
Steven lost 28 pounds. He reached the lowest bodyweight he's seen since middle school... more than 25 years ago. He also pushed himself outside his comfort zone and signed up for not one, but two marathons.
“I have been pulled in many different directions mentally, physically, and emotionally every day for the last 70 days. But I endured the suck and came out with a mindset that I'm ready to roll into the next chapter.”
Along the way, he inspired others in the community to challenge themselves as well.
But none of that is why Steven believes he won. Because while writing his contest entry, Steven shared the news that changed everything.
“My wife is officially 11 weeks pregnant.”
After years of waiting, uncertainty, and hoping.
“I may not win this contest. But I have won in life because my cup is full.”
“I am going to be a dad.”