Dubbo's own Rose Black has landed her first Australian Pro card for bodybuilding.
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The determined vixen took out the Australian Arnold Classics earlier in the month, being deemed the Overall Arnold Classic figure.
"I received first place in Open Figure, then went back onstage against the winner of the Open Figure and then I won the Overall Arnold Classic Figure and received my Pro Card," Black said.
"This means that I have become a 'professional athlete' and I will now have to compete overseas for the majority, as there is only one Pro show (Arnold Classic) in Australia each year."
Having a 'Pro' status is a really hard achievement in Australia- only two cards per division are awarded each year and the caliber of Australian figure athletes is extremely high.
"My ultimate dream would be to one day qualify for the Olympia. In the meantime the sport has introduced lots of opportunities- I recently launched my own online personal training business, which is so rewarding," Black said.
The Olympia is a world-renowned competition held each year in America.
"I took up weight training six years ago and I first competed in a league called INBA/PNBA and received a Pro card in Slovakia -just under 2 years after," she said.
"I went on to win the 'Natural Olympia' title the following year in San Diego - it was a whirlwind.
"I began competing with the IFBB which is the biggest league in the world because I wanted to compete with the best competitors in the world," She said.
Black initially took on bodybuilding to manage her lingering shoulder pain.
"I started going to classes at Dubbo RSL and then moved into the weights room to try and help my shoulder out," Black said.
"I was always interested in the sport though, I just love lifting. I love challenging myself and trying to achieve the physique I see in my mind.
"It's a sport that helps you become stronger both physically and mentally. You learn how to push past your comfort zone and you begin achieving things you didn't think you could," She said.
"My advice to others would be to Seek advice and guidance from reputable coaches and start training consistently. Be patient and stick to the plan.
Owner of Mass Nutrition and fellow competitor David Hughes, along with Will Hunt from Nemesis Fitness, strength and conditioning coach Clint Jones and the RSL Health and Aquatic Club have all been significant supports for Black.
"I have to thank my beautiful family - I have amazing parents and parents-in-law and an amazing husband Roland, who has put up with me through all my preps when I am grumpy and worn out.
"It's important to have a supportive partner in this sport, so I'm very lucky. And of course I have to thank all the people around Dubbo who wished me well in the lead up to the Comp- Dubbo is a great place."
