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When 22-year-old Laurence Hulse made the decision to strip off for the Warwick University rowing team’s annual naked calendar, which raises awareness about homophobia in sport, he saw it as a way to have a bit of fun with his team-mates and show his support for the gay community. And maybe get a bit of extra attention from the girls on campus. He did not expect the revealing pictures to launch an international modelling career.
But it seems the shots of the ripped athlete splashing around in the buff caught the attention of more than just a few local admirers. He recently did a shoot for GQ in New York City, and he has landed a gig as the face of the new Braun campaign, in partnership with The Telegraph, embodying the fitness-focused Mr Mandrogynous in the Men’s Lifestyle Guide.
Hulse says he is considering posing for the camera full-time once he graduates. “There are definitely worse ways to spend your weekdays.”
We caught up with the rower-turned-model to find out how much he identifies with the qualities of Mr Mandrogynous, how his style has changed since launching his swish new career and which Victoria’s Secret model he has got a major crush on.
How did the naked calendars come about?
Well, rowing is a really expensive sport, so six years ago the guys started doing the naked calendar to raise money for the team. Initially they only sold a couple of hundred copies.
In the third year, the gay community caught on. They bought into the idea of having a calendar with nice pictures – but also of supporting the cause and helping students to take part in sport.
The guys wanted to reciprocate the support they were getting and the idea was Sport Allies.
It is about young straight athletes recognising that there is a problem with homophobia in sport.
We are saying: “This is wrong, we want it to change, and we’re going to help change it and get other people to get on board.”
Why is homophobia in sport such an important issue to you?
Sport is really where you make a lot of your friends and learn a lot about yourself and develop a lot of you social skills, as well. And for anyone to be excluded from that because of who they are is just plain wrong.
How many professional athletes are gay, especially at the very top level? It’s clearly a problem – either people don’t feel comfortable being who they are in the sporting environment. Or they don’t get involved in sport because they worry about how they’ll be received.
Did you have any hesitations about getting naked?
I was pretty comfortable stripping off. You’re with all your best mates that you spend a lot of time with, so you know these guys very well. And where we actually shoot is very private. It ends up being just a massive laugh.
What do your family think?
My mum and dad think it’s great. They know a lot about the message behind it, so they’re really supportive.
Have the calendars earned you any extra female attention?
It’s definitely a bit of a talking point, more in Warwick than anywhere. But most of the guys have girlfriends.
The calendars clearly caught the eye of modelling scouts. What was it like modelling for Braun?
It’s been really good fun.
You portray Mr Mandrogynous, one of the four tribes of Braun. Do you identify with him?
I think Mr Mandrogynous is probably a more extreme version of myself, but that’s definitely the one I identify with. I don’t always walk round in a towel shaving in front of the camera. But we’re both really into fitness.
What’s your fitness routine?
This term I’ve stopped rowing after two years because my exams were starting to suffer. So now I tend to go to the gym five days a week, about an hour to an hour and a half each time. I do mainly body weights. And then just eating healthy foods – plenty of meat and veg – is a big part of that.
What do you eat on a cheat day?
Pizza with ham, mushroom and egg.
What is your grooming routine like?
Clean-shaven is a look I often go for, but when I do have stubble I maintain it with a Braun trimmer. I always use a face wash and a moisturiser, especially before bed.
I get my hair cut every three weeks. I like to keep on top of that kind of thing. You don’t want to turn up looking like an extra from The Lord of the Rings.
How long does it take you to get ready for a night out?
If it’s a uni night out, I’ll just jump in the shower, do my hair and go – 20 minutes. But if I have my hair sort of pushed back like I do lately, it can take quite a long time to dry.
So I’m not really “getting ready” but my hair will take like 30 minutes to dry. So I’ll do a bit of reading or have a drink while I wait.
What’s your go-to outfit for a Saturday night?
At university a lot of the nights out are quite low-key – so a pair of skinny jeans and a T-shirt with a jacket on top. If I’m at home I go for a nice crisp white shirt, blue or black jeans, and Chelsea boots.
Do you feel like you have to step up your game now that you’re modeling?
It’s not so much that I have to, but you get exposed to people who dress really well and wear really nice clothes.
You have a stylist dressing you when you’re on a job so you learn little things there. And also you get paid, so you have the money to spend on nice clothes – so that makes a difference.
Do you have a girlfriend – or are you single and ready to mingle?
No, I don’t have a girlfriend. I’m in search of one, but I haven’t been lucky enough so far.
How about a celebrity crush?
I’d have to say Victoria’s Secret model Izabel Goulart. She’s really hot.
Nice choice, Laurie. It never hurts to aim high!
This article was written with Mr Mandrogynous in mind. If it appeals to you, chances are you'll love the convenience of the Braun WaterFlex. It lets you shave in the shower at the gym, cutting valuable minutes from your morning routine.
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