Jenny Hamilton was crowned International Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (IBFA) Scotland Miss Bikini 2019 at the Lochgelly Centre in Fife last weekend, seeing off top competition from across the country in her debut show.
The 21-year-old self-employed personal trainer and online coach, currently based at Elev8 Athletics in Dumfries, has had interest in bodybuilding for a number of years.
She said: “I first came across the sport when I was about 15 when I started watching girls documenting their bikini prep on YouTube.
“After meeting my boyfriend Niki, who is a competitive bodybuilder, I finally gained the courage to give it a go for myself.”
In preparation for the competition, Jenny followed a strict 13-week diet and training schedule to make sure she was in peak condition.
She explained that the goal of the competition is to achieve a combination of most balanced physique and best stage presence, with each competitor judged on a series of quarter turns and routines.
Jenny continued: “This was my first show and going into the competition I was nervous but very excited.
“You have to be sure to present yourself in a way which best shows off your physique as you are being judged the whole time you are on stage.
“I was eager to see all the hard work pay off and prove to myself that I have what it takes.
“To win my class and qualify for the IBFA British Bikini nals was just the icing on the cake.”
Jenny will now start her preparations for the British finals, but she is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
She said: “I’ve often struggled with confidence, body image and anxiety in the past but the gym has always been my escape.
“Bodybuilding has allowed me to take my passion of lifting weights and channel all my energy into something positive.
“It’s a big commitment but the whole experience has been life changing for me, and I’m excited to see where this sport can take me in the future.”
