Have you ever wondered what motivates someone to actually compete in their first show? It could be the image of seeing your idol competing live for the first time. That's what happened to Maria Barber, who over 13 years ago saw Carol Graham competing and she became Maria's inspiration. For personal trainer Anne Wallace, it was watching others going through the months of training and dieting that made her decide, "Wow, I have to try that, I know I could do it!" These are some of the girls that Robyn Jackson, professional IFBB Fitness competitor, was preparing for the Southern States titles held in conjunction with the 2004 IFBB Grand Prix Pro Show in Melbourne. I went along to the dress rehearsal and met up with these girls to see them courageously going through their paces. I was very interested in what had made them decide to compete. Anne and Maria's reasons are what you would expect, but I wasn't prepared for Veronica's story! Back in 1992 aged 20, Veronica Steinicke started aerobic training at a gym, where she subsequently met her husband Warren. Veronica told me that she and Warren had been on IVF, trying for years to have a baby. Then one wonderful day she fell pregnant. Tragically their baby, Jeremy Leslie, was stillborn on 31st March, 2001, the day after Veronica's birthday. With a hint of tears in her eyes, she told me of the spirit and strength that Jeremy has given her. "I am doing this for him; I am doing this for Jeremy." Veronica (or Ronnie as she is known to her friends) was born in Scotland on 30th March 1968. She is a national account manager and her hobbies include scuba-diving, golf and dining out. Her off-season weight is 57 kilos (one week before a contest she weighed in at 49 kilos). Her training partner is Warren and she weight trains two days on and one day off with cardio four times a week. "Weight training has provided me with a new sense of purpose and inner strength since the loss of our baby. I hope Warren and I will continue to grow and develop, not only as a couple but as individuals, and one day we will have another baby. This journey has given me more than I anticipated or expected. It has proved to me that I can do anything I want, and given me the courage to face a new challenge." "What would I tell someone starting off? Believe in your abilities, don't listen to the sceptics, keep focused, have a good strong network of family and friends around you and most of all enjoy the journey." Veronica will be getting up onstage ten days before the anniversary of Jeremy's death. This petite, pretty 5 foot brunette with big green eyes will face an emotional time but her deep belief and the support from her husband, family and friends will make it an unforgettable experience. Anne Wallace (Annie) is stepping onstage for the first time at the age of 40. Married with 18 and 16 year old daughters, Annie is a personal trainer at Harpers Personal Training Studios in Brighton. "Weight training has been the most satisfying activity I have ever done. I am now much more confident in myself and about my body. My personal training business has increased since I have taken on the challenge of doing my first figure competition. My goal is to continue to improve and be the best I can be." She says she started weight training to change the shape of her body, "I wasn't getting the results that I desired from circuit and aerobic classes. So ten years ago I began weight training and the results have been amazing". Maria Barber is Italian. A 38 year old mother of three, she lives in Hampton, Victoria, and is a personal trainer at Personal Best Training Studio. Maria has a background in track and field athletics and mountain running. She started weight training aged 13 to strengthen her legs. Maria trains weights 3 days on, 1 off, 2 days on and 1 off, with cardio 3 to 4 times a week. I asked her what she hopes for in the future and how the journey towards her first competition has been? "It has taught me discipline, consistency and being able to work comfortably in an uncomfortable zone. I have learnt not to be afraid to try, and now I am very much in tune with my body." "I hope to compete at national level one day and then to go on to judging. In family life I just hope to raise three decent human beings, who are respectful, loving and happy.   PHYSIQUE CLASS The women's physique class was the first competition. It is always disappointing when there's only one entry in a division as they've trained and dieted for months. It can't be easy! Maria Barber gave a wonderful performance in her first show. She had a great stage presentation with good overall condition. She was lean, firm and showed her physique well. Maria has a great future in bodybuilding, and I hope that she receives the appropriate support and encouragement to continue.   FITNESS CLASS Next up were the fitness girls. In this division there were two competitors, Tracey Bailey, who has been in this sport for a number of years and her pupil, Casey White entering her first show. Tracey's first show was in 1998 and she has competed nearly every year since, taking time out to have her daughter two years ago. She has four first and one third place to her credit. Posing to an upbeat selection of Elvis Presley songs, she performed assorted back flips, splits and handstands with entertaining flair. She also demonstrated strength and flexibility and was awarded yet another first place trophy. I saw Tracey the following day. Where? In the gym of course, training! She has her sights set on the State and National titles in October. Casey White showed that she had been training hard over the previous months and gave a good performance. Her one-piece outfit showed her shape off to its maximum advantage. I found her routine lacking experience but it was imaginative and enthusiastic. She held it together well, considering the requirements of this division. After the show Casey told me that she couldn't have done the show without Tracey's help and encouragement. "Tracey was encouraging me all the way through the rounds, she was great."   FIGURE CLASS Onstage in order were, Violetta Trajcevski, Anne Wallace, Veronica Steinicke, Rachael Steele, Helena Pavlidisi, Kylie D'Alessandro and Deborah Salakowski. This was probably the best line-up of figure girls at an IFBB State competition. Plenty of potential winners and all girls were in great condition. They ranged from a ripped, lean, hard look, right through to a lean but softer physique. I suppose this is where personal preference comes into play. What is defined as figure and what are the judges looking for? As soon as Deborah Salakowski took to the stage it was her show! She had it all, condition, shape, muscular development and her presentation was faultless. Her routine oozed sensuality and co-ordination. Her choice of outfit for round three simply brought out her best. Runner-up was Helena Pavlidisi. She used her routine to display the best of her figure using slow, sexy and controlled movements in time to well chosen music. Maybe her physique was not as hard as Deborah's, but for her first show she produced a great overall package and is one to watch in the future. Third was last year's winner Violetta Trajcevski. This 28 year old management accountant has been training for just over two years. She has great legs and performed her routine to Madonna's 'Like A Prayer'. "I didn't have any intentions to compete when I first started weight training. I just wanted to get into shape to look better and improve my self confidence. After reaching my initial goal, I wanted to challenge myself and take my body to the next level. Competing for the second time didn't make the training and dieting any easier! However, it allowed me to learn more about myself and build my self-confidence." One competitor I thought was unlucky not to place was Anne Wallace. She had the best abs, biceps and triceps, and was lean with good muscle development. However, her posing let her down, but at 40 and in her first show, she did extremely well. Veronica came out in the evening show looking gorgeous in a red outfit. She has a good v-shaped back, lovely figure, is pretty as a picture and once she masters those shoes she will be up in the placings. Veronica's routine was cute, sexy and well performed. Kylie D'Alessandro, a tall, lean, graceful girl, posed well to a great selection of Tom Jones music. Another first timer, Kylie shows potential in this division. Last, but not least was Rachael Steele, the Californian beach girl. Very pretty with blonde hair and a perfectly selected outfit, she was a favourite with the boys. Nowhere as muscular as the other girls, but she had a lovely shape. With some training to add some muscle to that well shaped frame, she will do extremely well in future. I spoke to the girls on the day. Everyone was very excited and nervous but having a ball. Supporting the girls were teams of trainers, husbands, friends and family, all helping them on their journey. They were so thankful to everyone for their support and help.

Maria Barber - Physique Champion Tracey Bailey - Fitness Champion Deborah Salakowski - Figure Champion Bodybuilding 1. Maria Barba   Fitness 1. Tracey Bailey 2. Casey White   Figure 1. Deborah Salakowski 2. Helena Pavlidis 3. Violetta Trajcevski 4. Veronica Steinick 5. Rachelle Steele 6. Anne Wallace 7. Kylie D'Alessandro