



My journey to earning my pro card began in 2018, six months after the birth of my youngest child. As a mother of three, I wanted to reclaim my body and challenge myself in ways I had not before.
Having worked in a gym in my 20s, surrounded by bodybuilders, I always admired the sport but lacked the confidence to try it myself. After having children, I was determined to overcome that fear. Surprisingly, I entered my first competition and won Sports Model out of a large lineup. I enjoyed the structure and discipline and wanted to do it again and bring an even better package.
My second show saw me win the overall in the sports model category in 2019. I realised my physique was better suited for figure, and with some stage experience behind me, I was more open to wearing a bikini (another fear).
I competed in the ICN Figure, where I won the 2019 GLC Figure Overall Championship. However, my journey was far from smooth, and I had to withdraw after a year of preparation due to a severe back injury. Then came COVID, which put everything on hold for most of NZ.
In 2023, I decided to give it another go, competing at GLC again and qualifying for nationals. At nationals, I won the overall classic figure category but did not place in the open figure, which made me feel I had let myself down and could have handled situations better. I made mistakes, allowed stress to affect my presentation, and did not bring my best physique. It was a humbling experience that taught me invaluable lessons and probably the best thing that could have happened to me. The next day I realised it was a blessing in disguise and I had a second chance to redeem myself! I’d already been selected to represent the NZ ICN Team internationally in Bali, so I used that opportunity to apply what I’d learnt.
I knew where I had failed and applied everything to bring MY best possible package. My goal was simple: ENJOY the experience with zero expectation of placing, own the stage, and present the conditioning and posing I knew I was capable of. Because it was my first international, I also took the opportunity to give Women’s Bodybuilding a go and surprisingly won! Women’s Classic Figure (not overalls), Open Figure, and the overalls Figure where I was offered the PRO CARD!!! To top it off, I competed in the pro lineup and placed 2nd. This journey taught me that setbacks are setups for comebacks and continual growth, and I am grateful to be amongst an amazing federation!!!
My Top 3 Tips for Those Wanting to Become a Pro
- Be honest about WHY you want to become a pro. You need to enjoy the lifestyle training/nutrition and embrace all the disciplines first and foremost.
- Be mentally prepared; it is as much psychological as it is physical, and there will likely be setbacks/losses and struggles. You must have resilience and positive, knowledgeable people supporting you.
- Do your research and educate yourself as much as possible on all division requirements, where your body best fits vs what you are trying to achieve. Analyse how realistic that is, set out a plan, be patient and give it everything.