Natalie Michael

I have only just competed as a figure athlete for the first time this year.

As much as I wanted to do it, I felt uncontrollably drawn to the idea, and spent far too much time dreaming about it.

As a full time Psychophysiology PhD student, my constant trawling of the internet for pictures of figure athletes, competition diets, and upcoming competitions, was indeed a distraction I could not afford.

In an attempt to complete my degree in a timely fashion, I used my desire to compete as a figure athlete as a reward. I told myself if I could submit my PhD by the end of the year (2010) then I would compete in the first INBA competition of the next year.

December came around very quickly but despite numerous setbacks I successfully submitted my PhD. The relief of submitting my PhD and the realization of the significance of this achievement itself was overshadowed by my desire to get to work and get myself stage ready.

The INBA also released their 2011 competition calendar and had announced a new competition… the “Novice Rising Star and Rookie of the Year Championships”.

My mind was made up, this was the one to aim for. With the right support and help from competition preparation coaches, friends, and family, I was ready (or so I thought) to compete for the first time.

Truthfully, when the time actually came, I had never been so scared in my life.

After going through the first round of quarter turns and compulsory poses I was moved to the end of the line-up and I thought my nervousness must have been affecting my ability to display my physique and thought maybe I wasn’t doing so well.

So for this reason I was surprised to hear my name announced as the winner.

After winning my first comp, I had already achieved my ultimate goal, so I decided to do a few more upcoming comps for the experience. In total I competed in 5 divisions in 4 competitions over 5 consecutive weekends.

I have not always been fit or come from a strong sporting family. There have been many years where I have not exercised at all. However, even from a young age I was fascinated with what I called “chocolate men” (bodybuilders) that I saw on posters in the health food shop, and as a 12 year old spent many hours glued to the tv admiring the muscular physiques of the “Gladiators”.

It was not until about year 9 though, when we had a physical education excursion to the local gym, that I actively started to train with weights. From the moment I walked in the door I felt at home. I felt like I belonged, and I joined that gym and would take a bus on weekends just so I could train.

It took me a very long time to really get into the sport of bodybuilding, but it was really a gradual, somewhat natural progression. A journey I’m so glad I started and one that I believe has made me a healthier, happier and better person. The feeling of obtaining my goal of becoming a figure competitor has been the best.

It surpassed even my greatest expectations and I hope I can help to motivate others to obtain their goals in life, physical or otherwise. Currently I am working on building some more muscle, developing my legs and improving my physique. The day dreams are still with me, and bodybuilding still moves me like nothing else, so hopefully I will have the opportunity to grace the stage again in the near future.

 Competition results (2011)

1st - INBA - Novice Rising Star of the Year

1st – WFF International Championships – Miss Athletique Class 1

3rd – INBA –Melbourne Titles – Open Figure

3rd – ANB Natural Mania – Novice Figure

2nd – ANB Natural Mania - Tall Figure