How did you get interested in bodybuilding/working out?

I have been athletic my entire life and I always enjoy challenging sports and setting goals, so physique competitions are a natural fit for me.

How was your first show like, any interesting experiences?

When I first started training I entered a local bodybuilding competition in 1994. I competed as a lightweight weighing in at a mere 104 lbs. I did not have a lot of muscle then, since I just began training, but I was very lean. I was so nervous at my first show. When the judges called out "quarter turn to the right", I turned to the left!!! During the finals at night, when I performed my routine, I was much more relaxed and really had fun! After that experience, I could not wait to go on stage and compete again ... I was never nervous after my first show. Even now competing at the pro level, I step on stage with all the confidence in the world, smile big and have fun.

What do you like and dislike about competing?

What I love most about competing is the personal journey of reaching your goals. It is amazing to watch the physical transition during contest preps and I really enjoy the mental challenge of staying focused. I strongly feel if you can conquer that, you can conquer anything you set your mind to do. I also love the friendships I have made with other competitors and we share a bond that will last a lifetime. The only thing I dislike about competing are the expenses of traveling, custom made suits, food and protein supplements.

What are your future goals in this industry?

Right now, my goals are to improve my physique for the next competitions in 2005 and work hard to reach my personal best condition.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

In terms of my career, I see myself staying active in the industry and continuing my personal training business. On a personal level, I see myself married for keeps with one child ... maybe two???

Please tell us something special about you that most people wouldn't know?

I am faced with several health issues that make competing extra challenging for me. I was diagnosed with a thyroid disorder before I ever started competing and the extreme diet that I have to put my body through triggers an abnormal thyroid function (hypothyroidism) which makes it even more difficult for me to lose weight. Also, I only have one kidney, so I have to be extra cautious about my protein intake and depleting my body of water prior to stepping on stage. Even Advil is dangerous for me to take. During 2 competitions this year, I was dehydrated to the point of passing out.

Any additional notes? People you would like to thank?

I would like to thank my parents (Jim and Judy) and my brother Jim for their unconditional support. Also, my fellow IFBB Pro Figure competitors for making competing such a wonderful experience. Especially to my friends that I compete with: Zena Collins, Deborah Denio, Mavis Tozzi, Chris Wan-Wyzik, Chandra Coffee, Marcy Porter and Michelle Adams. And to my trainers (past and present): George Farah, Michelle Benson, Carl Hayes and Kyle Laing. Also a BIG THANK YOU to MET-Rx/WorldWide/Body Fortress who have put me to work at their booth. It has been an honor to promote the highest quality products in the industry. Thank you to JT Littrell of TrueBodies.com for the great pics and to Juan Carlos Lopez for featuring me in hardfitness.com ... I look forward to our future shoot.

Competition History:

IFBB PRO
-2004 GNC Show of Strength - 17th Place
-2004 NYC Pro Figure - 20th Place
-2004 California Pro Figure - 15th Place
-2004 Pittsburgh Pro Figure - 17th Place

National Level
-2003 NPC Figure Nationals NY, NY - 3rd Place C Medium-Tall Class **Earned IFBB Pro Status**
-2003 NPC Jr. Nationals Chicago, IL - 8th Place C Medium-Tall Class
-2003 NPC Jr. USA's Charleston, SC - 2nd Place C Medium-Tall Class

Local/Regional Level - Figure
-2002 NPC Rochester Figure Championships Rochester, NY - 1st Place and Overall
-2002 NPC Ironman Classic Figure Championships Syracuse, NY - 1st Place and Overall
-2002 Nova Fitness Ms. Galaxy Dallas, TX - 3rd Place Swimwear/Obstacle Course
-2002 NPC Pittsburgh Figure Championships - Pittsburgh, PA 7th Place

Local/Regional Level - Bodybuilding
-2001 NPC Rochester Bodybuilding Championships Rochester NY - 1st Place Lightweight Division
-2001 NPC Ironman Classic Bodybuilding Championships Syracuse, NY 2nd Place Lightweight Division
-2000 USBA Ms. NY State Natural Physique Championships Pittsford, NY - 1st Place Lightweight Division and Overall
-1995 NPC Rochester Bodybuilding Championships Rochester NY - 2nd Place Lightweight Division
-1994 NPC Empire State/Twin Lab Bodybuilding Championships - 3rd Place Lightweight Division
-1994 USBA Ms. NY State Natural Physique Championships Rochester, NY - 3rd Place Lightweight Division