SC: Thanks for the interview Nkechi. Can you please give us a description of yourself?

NNR: I am 33 yrs old, married to a wonderful man, and live a very rewarding life that I give thanks to the Almighty for each and every day. I am first generation Canadian, born to Nigerian parents. I grew up in Montreal, and moved to Toronto almost 10 yrs ago.

Most will describe me as being an aggressive and very determined individual. Albeit true, I also have a very generous heart, and try to make those around me feel very comfortable. I am very honest, loyal and give 100% of myself to those in my circle of influence. 

SC: How long have you been weight training and/or involved in fitness?

NNR: I started playing soccer when I was six, and have been active ever since. I began weight training in college at the age of 18.

SC: What or who inspired you to compete?

NNR: It is my friend Angela Bryan, who became my trainer that not only inspired me to compete, but convinced me that I was going to win.

SC: Tell us about how you became interested in competing in Figure?

NNR: Again, it was Angela that got my interest piqued. She knew I wanted to compete in bodybuilding for some time, and also knew that I also wanted to stick with a more feminine physique.

We attended a competition in June 2005 at York University and that’s when I fell in love with the Figure bodies. I looked at these women, and thought to myself that I was not far off from them and with some added discipline; I could give them a run for their money.

SC: I hear that the 2005 Canadian Classic was your first competition.  What’s your secret?  I am sure anyone who was there on October 29 or has seen your pics wants to know.

NNR: Secret … hmmm … other than hard work, dedication and determination, I focused on my need to do well.

The real secret is the dynamic duo of Angela Bryan for a trainer and nutritionist and Tammy Strome for stage presentation and posing.

SC: Tell us what you learned from competing.

NNR: I have learnt that we are a physical reflection of the time and effort we are willing to put into ourselves as well as how we feel about ourselves.

SC: What is your favourite bodypart to train?

NNR: I am addicted to training my legs. I would train them everyday, twice a day if I could. Since the competition, I also love training my back. Love the power I feel as I pull the weight. As well, developing the back I did, I like trying to keep it up.

SC: What's your training philosophy?

NNR: Do it for yourself. If you try to do it for any other reason, you’re guaranteed to fail. The time you spend training, is time for yourself and no one else. Leave each training session knowing that you gave it your all and did your best.

SC: Do you train on your own or do you have a training partner?

NNR: I train by myself. Always have … Met my hubby at the gym tho’. Even though we’re both fanatics, I can count over the 7 years we’ve known each other how often we’ve trained together.

There is only one other person than Angela of course, that I can train with. That’s Jully Black. She’s from the same house of dedication and focus that I am. If it’s not with her, it’s with the 3 closest people to me... that being ‘me, myself, and I’.

SC: What about supplements?  What are your favourites?

NNR: Yup, I am firm believer in taking any supplements that either give you more of what your body produces, or are natural.

Some of my “faves”, are Progressive for Active Women (Multi-vitamin), L-Carnitine, Glutamine (of course), and Thermoblaze (great Thermo).

SC: We all want to know, when are you competing next?

NNR: Gosh, I wish I was competing in the June show!! You had to ask this question huh!

Well, I definitely have the bug. However, having a baby is where my mind is currently at. So I am completely focused on that objective and will compete once that has happened and the breast-feeding is beyond me.

Is there enough time for all that between now and the November show??

Let me leave you with this … In one of your shows, I will compete in the Open and Masters divisions and win them all!! Cocky huh …. haha

SC: Do you have any tips or advice for upcoming figure competitors?

NNR: My advice to all women is to live this experience at least once. It was truly a life changing experience for me. Not only did it change my appearance, it altered how I feel about myself immensely. It was a focused time for me. It was 17 weeks of ME time. I have never devoted that kind of time, energy and focus on myself. It was extremely rewarding.

It is also very important to have the support of your friends and family. This is not a journey I could have done on my own. Before making my final decision to compete, I ensured Easton (my husband) was on board. I could have still competed, but, the reason I did so well was because I had his full support throughout. He is an amazing individual, and I am truly blessed to have him in my corner. Love you baby!!

Lastly, make sure to pick a winning team for a trainer, nutritionist and contest presentation. Mine was Angela Bryan, Tammy Strome, Cynthia James (bathing suit), Ultimate Look (hair design and color) and Shauna Llewellyn (make-up artist).

SC: Any parting words?

NNR: But of course …

The 2005 Canadian Classic was one of the best days of my life. I got a chance to compete in a top notch, and well organized show. I could not have picked a better show for my first experience.

I felt much love from Shaun and Desmona throughout my journey to the show. Very much the professionals, they answered all my questions and helped to alleviate much of my anxieties. They were always there for me, and I feel eternally grateful for that.

SC: Thanks for the interview Nkechi.