Sam Atrill

I am 42 years old, an Australian Figure Competitor, Personal Trainer and Mother of 2.

I am married and have been for fifteen years now.  We have two boys aged 14 and 12.  My family is my rock, they are so supportive and I feel so very lucky to have them in my life

Health and Fitness has always an important part of my life and the older I get, the more important it seems to become.

My First Competition:

Well, prior to my decision, I went and watched a bodybuilding competition where my niece was competing.  After that show I turned to my husband and said that next year when I was 40, I was going to enter my first competition.  So, two months later I started training for my first competition that was in six months time.  I won that show and was hooked on competing!

My first national show!

After only my second competition and win, I was picked to go to the Nationals.  I absolutely loved the experience, getting to know all the wonderful people in the industry and seeing so many of my inspirations on stage.  It was a totally amazing experience and could not believe I was amongst some of the best natural competitors in Australia.

There were issues prior to competing in the Western Australia’s INBA/IFBB State Titles.  What happened?  How did you do in the show?

Prior to this competition, my family took a holiday to Bali, Indonesia.   On the plane over, we all contracted the Swine Flu and by the time we landed in Bali, my son got very sick. Within hours we all started to feel the same way. We all were taken to Denpasar hospital for a blood test but once there we were locked away in quarantine.  It was an extremely bad experience not knowing what was going on and communication was very hard.  They has us in a locked room for 7 days with no facilities.

We were unable to eat much of the food as it always came to us at room temperature and we could not recognize most of the food we were given.  We came back to Australia and I was still sick, had lost muscle mass and weight.  I was suppose to start competition prep on my return from holiday but was not well enough.  With only 5 weeks until my competition and still not feeling very well, I started my competition prep as I could not leave it any longer.  This was the hardest prep I have ever done, also knowing that if I did not get into shape,  my trainer did not want me to compete. I was constantly tired, and drained as my body was still trying to get well and I was constantly putting it through extreme exercise.

I fought though it and even though there were many times I  wanted to give up, I didn’t allow myself to and kept thinking positive.  I went on to compete in two competitions on the same day and winning my division and overall in both.  Two weeks later I won the Natural Olympia Title!

Reflecting on the past 2 years, what have I learned from your experiences?

That weight training is an integral part of any exercise program.  I have a better body today than I did 20 years ago.  It is not only makes you feel younger but look it too.

How does it feel to be a World Natural Figure Champion?

I still can’t believe that after all I went through; I ended up with a World Title!  It just goes to show that with determination and passion it can be done.  It made all the hurt,  pain and hard times, worth it all in the end.

Advice for someone interested in competing who thinks they might be too old to do it?

No matter what you want to do in life, you are never too old.  You have the power within to do anything that you desire.  If your passion is competing, I say go for it.

Current Workout:

What are the key factors that dictate the way I train?

What has been your stepping stone to get where I am today?

Achievements within the sport:

Special shout outs:

Even though this is an individual sport, so many people help you along the way.  Firstly to my trainer Larry Hook, this man has made me what I am today.  He has pushed me further than I ever thought was possible. I have the utmost respect for him and I am so fortunate to have him as my trainer.  Secondly, to one of Australia’s best figure competitors and my very good friend, Christine Hajjar.  She is an amazing woman who has shown and given me so much.   Lastly, to my family and friends, without them, none of this would have been possible.

Sponsors:

I am thrilled to be sponsored by Syntrax , Surge Health and Fitness and Golden Egg Farm.