The fit financier: Karim Fenton balances fitness and finance
Published:Wednesday | November 20, 2024 | 12:06 AM
At just 15, Karim Fenton shared the track with Olympic medallist Nesta Carter, both representing Manchester High. Now, more than two decades later, he’s pursuing success on a different track, balancing professional achievements with personal fitness. As the world reflects on International Men’s Day under the theme ‘Men’s Health Champions’, Fenton, a business development officer at First Global Bank’s Mandeville branch, shared with Lifestyle how a missed opportunity at the Inter-Secondary Schools Boys and Girls’ Championships became the turning point in his journey.
Raised in a nuclear family as the middle child between two sisters, Fenton’s athletic potential was undeniable. His love for running seemed almost hereditary, influenced by his mother who was a former track athlete. “I started running from kindergarten. I’ve loved sports from day one,” he said.
The turning point came one night when a seven-year-old Fenton suffered a near-fatal asthma attack. His mother, panicked but determined, carried him from doctor to doctor in Manchester, only to be turned away or told to wait.
“Mommy lifted me up in her arms and took me to the hospital. Finally, one doctor answered and hooked me up immediately. He told her, ‘If you weren’t here within a minute, he wouldn’t have made it.’ ”
That night became a defining moment for him. It was not the end of his track ambitions but a reminder of his mother’s unwavering faith in him.
In his teenage years, tragedy struck again. Fenton suffered a quadriceps injury that shattered his hopes of competing at Champs.
“Right before qualifying, I tore my quad. I ran 22 seconds for the 200m despite hopping through class-one qualifications,” he explained. With recovery incomplete, the injury worsened during Champs. “As I started the race, I literally heard my muscle tear. I tried to push through but I didn’t make it to the next round.”
For a young athlete destined for greatness, the loss was devastating. Friends, family, and peers who had cheered him on suddenly became reminders of what could have been. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, he channelled his disappointment into a new pursuit— fitness.
Through consistent gym training, Fenton not only healed his injuries but also overcame his asthma. “Working out five to six days a week has been transformative,” said the now 6 ft 2 inches amateur personal trainer. His dedication culminated in a triumphant moment in 2022, when he was selected to represent GraceKennedy at the Boys and Girls’ Champs’ 100th celebration.
In a sponsors race aptly named ‘I Still Got Speed’, Fenton ran the 4x100m relay at the National Stadium, competing against some of the fastest men in the company.
“It was a lot to handle emotionally after the failure,” he admitted. “Family and friends always expected something great, and every mention of World Champs or Nesta Carter reminded me of what I didn’t achieve. Winning that race felt like closure — I finally got a Champs medal.”
A CHAMPION IN FITNESS, FINANCE
Fenton has since earned accolades such as ‘Champion Boy’ and ‘Sportsman of the Year’ within his organisation. But his contributions extend beyond physical fitness; he’s equally passionate about financial wellness. For International Men’s Day 2024, he’s championing three pillars of financial and fiscal success which he believes every man can employ:
1. Have specific goals: Define what you want, both physically and financially.
2. Be consistent: Give it time. Success is always built on regular, consistent effort.
3. Don’t be complacent: In both fitness and finance, always try to push yourself.
4. Do your research: Knowledge is the foundation of informed decisions.
Fenton now dedicates himself to mentoring other men as well as his community, combining his expertise in finance and fitness to inspire a balanced, purpose-driven life.