At high school, I was always active - I was on the swimming team, cross country team, athletics team and volleyball team.  I was Age Champion at my school cross country and athletics carnivals for several years.  I also competed in Little Athletics and competed in athletics at State level. 

In mid-1996, I moved to Melbourne and blew out to over 75kg.  Over the years, I attempted to lose my weight through various methods - Jenny Craig, calorie restriction, Weight Watchers, you name it - I tried it!  I worked out at various gyms over the years with very little success.

I had always been interested in competing in Figure, but never thought that I would have the drive or discipline to compete.  Then in June 2006, I was given the contact details for the person who would become my trainer, friend and mentor - Josh Dickinson.  I got in touch with Josh immediately and told him that I was interested in competing in a Figure comp.  The Queensland INBA show was only 16 weeks away and he said that I had to make a decision straight away as to whether or not I would compete on 7 October.  I jumped at the chance and so the preparation for my first Figure comp started.  After looking at my pictures, Josh and I set my target "stage weight" at 55kg.  At first I thought that losing 12.5kg to compete was going to be hard and I was a little overwhelmed, but I got stuck into the program.

I started training with Josh on 17 June 2006, weighing in at 67.5kg.  I competed in Novice Figure (Tall Class) and the Queensland INBA show on 7 October 2006 weighing 52.5kg, and placing 6th in my division.  Although I didn't win or qualify for the INBA National Titles, I don't think I could be happier than I am now.  For me, losing 15kg and getting up on stage in the best condition of my life is the real winner for me.