Boiestown woman is a national figure
Date: 13-10-2010
Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamCanada |
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Jaclyn Wilson was in top form at the 2010 Canadian BodyBuilding Federation national championships held recently in Toronto.
The Boiestown native won the CBBF women's bikini (model) short class at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on the CNE Exhibition Grounds.
There were 165 athletes in various categories, with Wilson beating 11 other females from across the country.
"I had no expectations," Wilson said. "This was my first time going to nationals, so I was a bit surprised with the win. But obviously I was pretty excited.
"Winning a national title is a pretty awesome accomplishment, and one I never dreamt I could achieve when I started competing five years ago."
This was the first time on the national stage for the personable Wilson, who's placed on the podium in all five competitions she's entered.
She placed second in figure short at the 2005 Saint John Muscle & Fitness Festival, third in figure short at the 2006 Atlantic championships, first in figure short at the 2006 New Brunswick championships, first in figure model short at the 2009 Atlantic championships and now first at nationals.
The bigger provinces - Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia - are usually the favourites at nationals, but Wilson received the judges' best marks.
"It was pretty fun, a little overwhelming at times," Wilson said of being surrounded by so many like-minded competitors. "There were lots of great athletes there, people I'd heard about but never got to meet before. It was also nice to be around people who also gave up their entire summer for the same type of goal."
Where lower is better in marks, Wilson won with nine points. Cynthia Benoit of Quebec was second with 11, followed by B.C.'s Karen Pang with 13, Ontario's Zara Pineda-Boordea with 18 and Quebec's Martine Gauthier with 25. Michelle Chapman of Moncton placed sixth.
"I found this show was a little different because you have to qualify to go to nationals," Wilson said. "Everyone has earned his or her spot, so there is that respect there among athletes.
"Every judge looks for a different thing," she said, "so you just have to hope what you present is what they like."
Justine Munro of Ontario won the women's bikini tall class with five points - two better than Wilson for the overall title.
Wilson admits "it's a challenge" to stick to a strict training regimen, but adds, "that's part of the reason I do it. I like a challenge, trying to stick with the diet and go to the gym twice a day.
"Another big challenge is just the mental side of it," she said. "It can be pretty daunting when you think about being in front of 700 people in a bikini knowing they're all judging you."
To that end, Wilson says it's important to exude confidence.
"You do get marked on stage presence and the type of confidence you portray."
Wilson's career been to take shape, if you will, back in 2005.
"I've always been athletic ... figure skating, dancing, hockey, that sort of thing, and I always watched fitness competitions on TV, where they do the routines. When I found out it was around here, I decided I'd give it a try."
Wilson won't be competing in the N.B. championships this fall at the Playhouse, but she hasn't ruled out trying to defend her national title at the 2011 event in Vancouver.
For now, she plans to sit down with Fredericton trainer Andrew Pierce of Just for Show.
"We'll just look at some photos and decide what areas we need to improve on. I know legs will be one of them," she said.
Wilson has been running her own fashion business in Fredericton for the past five years.
"I'm just getting ready to re-brand the whole thing," she said, "so that's exciting for me. I'll have a new name, a new look and relaunch it."
