Roxana Kreklo Profile: A True Athlete by Roxana Kreklo

Roxana Kreklo

The Ironman was my first figure competition. I have attended other large shows, and would have to say that this one is quite extensive with the Fit Expo, Men's Pro show, Strongman Challenge and seminars all rolled into one. There were a couple of surprises though! My class was huge 19 competitors in all! I have been hearing some comments that the classes should have been
split up a little more considering that the "B" Class only had three
competitors. But, it made for an interesting competition nonetheless.

Roxana Kreklo

I actually came into this competition not really knowing what the judges would expect. I did some research on past shows and studied the NPC Judging guidelines to determine how I should come prepared to present my physique. In that respect, I achieved my goal which was really to get back to competition. A win would have been great though! As a competitive athlete, I didn't want to just "show up".I always want to win! I am happy with what I
accomplished though. The complements from the fans attending the show were great. There were two little girls that specifically made my day when they mentioned that they came down in front of the stage and started cheering for me. I also enjoyed the opportunity to speak to a number of people about their own health and fitness issues. That is very rewarding for me!

To receive the comments that I did from those in the bodybuilding world was especially rewarding as well. Cathy LeFrancois, Melvin Anthony, Quincy Taylor and Ronnie Coleman all echoed similar things about my appearance, physique and presentation. So to hear that from these people was motivating and encouraging as well.

In terms of other athletics, I was a competitive swimmer since the age of 5. Growing up in Bucharest, Romania, I was exposed to a system of athletics that is common in Europe where the athlete is selected for their particular discipline at a very early age. I competed at the National Level in both Romania and Canada until the age of 15.

Roxana Kreklo

At the age of 16, I started in Track and Field and soon found success as a thrower. Hammer throw was the area that my coaches decided to concentrate on. I won the Juvenile and Junior Nationals and received a scholarship from Simon Fraser University. I competed for SFU at the North Americans and was a National Carded Athlete. I also won CAC's in the Cayman Islands in 1998.
That proved to be my last competitive meet as I was involved in a car accident that effectively ended my throwing career 2 weeks after that meet. During my rehabilitation process a number of people active in physique competitions suggested that I try bodybuilding to try to provide an outlet for my competitive nature. I won the Western Canadians in my first contest in 2000 and continued to compete for the next 2 years. After taking some time off to start a business and get married, I again turned my attention to competition. I found that women's bodybuilding had changed directions, so I decide that competing in Figure would be more appropriate for me. I enjoy the balance of femininity, athleticism and muscularity that Figure competitions represent.

So after the Ironman, I hope to compete again in April at the Tanji Johnson Figure and Fitness Classic, at the Emerald Cup and the Western Canadian Championships. It will be a busy time, but I look forward to the preparation and training. Competing is demanding, especially as a completely natural athlete, but extremely rewarding as well.

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