Dave Paul Two first-time competitors from Sarnia were winners at an Ontario Physique Association regional competition earlier this month.
Dave Paul
Two first-time competitors from Sarnia were winners at an Ontario Physique Association regional competition earlier this month.
Chloe Yazdani and Jennifer McGrath Brownlee finished first in the figure (short) competition and bikini (tall) competition respectively at the Windsor event.
Yazdani was also named the top overall figure competitor.
The competition was split into sub-categories (physique, figure, fitness and bikini) as the sport of women’s bodybuilding continues to evolve and diversify, explained Maria Mikola, their trainer.
Actually, the traditional “bodybuilding” element is being phased out, she said.
“It’s becoming more about aesthetics and physiques that are attainable,” says Mikola.
“The regional level is a good place to figure things out. Sometimes girls don’t know where they fit in – which category is best for them.”
When Yazdani first came to her she thought she’d be working toward becoming a bikini competitor. But Mikola said she knew quickly Yazdani had the shape to compete in figure – “with wide shoulders and a small waist.”
“I put on muscle fast,” said Yazdani, 21, who began training with Mikola a couple of years ago.
“I knew a little bit about it. I know a few people who have competed. My dad (Frank) has sponsored some competitors through his (health/nutrition) store.”
Though it was her first show Yazdani didn’t feel nervous until the moment she got on stage, she said.
“It didn’t really hit me until I got out there. Then I started shaking.
“Later, I asked Maria and my parents if they could see me shaking, and they said, ‘Oh yeah, like a leaf’,” she said with a laugh.
By her third posing sessions onstage she had calmed her nerves.
With her win at the regional competition Yazdani qualified for next year’s provincial meet. She will compete as a junior (23-and-under) at the provincial and national level.
Mikola says she has even bigger plans for her star student.
“I want to try to get her to a world championship as a junior,” she said.
