In July the annual IBF-Mr. Universe competition, held in Naples, Italy voted for the best body in the world. Greek basketball player Zois Ballas was pronounced the winner of the prestigious fitness competition among a list of well-shaped men. The 28-year-old, who stands 2.03cm tall, said this year’s line up was hard, with many competitors from all around the world. ‘It became apparent from the outset that Greece was one of the favourites to do well in the competition’, said Zois. The sexy Greek hunk says he felt vindicated for the distinction, especially after coming fourth in the national championships of Greece. ‘I was ready to quit after coming fourth in Greece’, he said. ‘I was really angry after that result, but fortunately something told me to keep going and give myself another chance. Finally, the international judges, on my merits, vindicated my determination and my previous hard work in order to successfully represent my country’, he said. Zois started his sports career at a young age, when at 14 he joined the basketball team of Kranidi before going on to Panionios and eventually AEK Athens. He played for the younger teams of the Greek national baseball team and in the country’s top baseball league, A1. A qualified personal trainer, Zois has a set daily routine, diet and never smokes or drinks. He says he prefers straying at home rather than going out to clubs and bars. Zois explains he is quite shy in his personal life. ‘I rarely make the first move with a girl’, he says. He is a down to earth person saying that the title of ‘Greece’s best body’ doesn’t go to his head at all. ‘I was never vain, I was never into myself. I don’t have the confidence some people might think I have. On the contrary, I am really bashful’, he says. ‘Just imagine that my current girl made the first move because I felt awkward’, Zois points out laughing.