You’ve been a bodybuilder for just a short time. What attracted you to the sport?
I have always been moved and motivated by those incredible athletes who manage to build and construct their bodies into a supreme condition. Deep down I had always wondered what it would be like to be capable of achieving my ultimate physique. It’s something I’ve always followed, having an obsession with Arnold Schwarzenegger ever since I was a little girl. I was playing rugby at a professional level when I was quite young, and ended up having to make the decision not to return after my fourth major surgery on my right knee. I spent a lot of time in the gym doing rehabilitation, which was actually very different from playing a lot of competitive team sport. I was at one of the lowest points in my life. It was extremely hard having to give up something I loved. It was all I really knew. So after the shock of my rugby career ending, I got to spend a lot of time by myself and learned what I was capable of as an individual. I began to see my physical appearance changing and became addicted to the results and the positive feelings that came from training. For almost a year I committed myself to training and decided to enter my first competition in May 2014 where I placed 1st in my category (INBA NSW Championships). I then went to the INBA City Nationals 2014 where I placed 3rd overall.
What was the recent event you entered and won?
The first ever Arnold Classic Australian Tour, held down in Melbourne (March 13-15) at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre. It was one of the most prestigious events ever held in Australia. Arnold himself, alongside many other successful pro bodybuilders, was there in the flesh! It was such a phenomenal experience. I actually got to meet and talk with athletes I have been following for years. I was in the figure novice category. To qualify I needed to enter the IFBB Australasians held in Penrith where I placed 2nd.
What was the experience like for you? How did you celebrate?
As clichéd as it may sound, this was one of the best experiences of my life. The whole event of competing sees you undergo such an incredible physical transformation but more importantly the mental journey is like no other. You are pushed to your limits and are continuously fighting an inner battle with yourself. You really do learn who you are as a person and discover an inner strength. I celebrated with food 100 per cent! Catching up with family and friends for breakfasts, lunches and dinners has been amazing!
Could you say a little about your training and preparation for the competition?
I underwent a 16-week preparation where I was given a meal plan including six meals a day. Nutrition was strict and all my food was weighed and consumed during a certain time of the day. I had a set training program and implemented fasted cardio before breakfast. This was all constructed by my coach Paul Haslam (twice former Mr Olympia). He noticed my potential when I first began training and now he is one of my sponsors. I trained with him once a week and underwent physical examinations (skin folds) as we approached the competition day.
What do you enjoy most about bodybuilding? Are there particular difficulties or risks?
As tough as it may be at times, I really enjoy the whole process of competing. A lot of science is behind the sport, which I enjoy learning about. Realising what works for you in terms of nutrition, supplementation and training; pushing past the limits to achieve what I thought was once impossible is a wonderful feeling. The main difficulties have been nutrition related. Something as simple as going into the supermarket for a few things easily turned into one of the most challenging tasks. Sometimes, especially when my energy levels were low, I had to decline some foods I craved, and that felt like the ultimate test.
What goals do you have for bodybuilding? Other goals?
My sights are set on the Amateur Olympia on the Gold Coast in November. I will be undergoing a 20-week preparation this time, which will begin in July.
What’s the most important and universal health tip you would give to clients (and readers)?
I trust that self-belief is an essential part of training and learning. Everyone is more than capable of achieving. The tip I give to my clients is that there is no quick fix. To achieve and sustain results takes time, and implementing little lifestyle changes along the way will see success for the long term.
