Nearly 30 years in fitness. 49 years young. Still learning, still growing.
When I turned 40, I set myself a goal to get fit enough to compete in the Western Sydney Premier 7s Rugby Union competition against players mostly in their 20s and 30s. After more than a decade away from the game, I put the boots back on, pushed through a gruelling preseason and achieved that goal.
But after the competition, I gradually slipped out of shape again. And like many people, I found myself having to work my way back.
That experience taught me something important. Each year, I made it my goal to be in better shape for my next birthday, with 50 becoming a milestone I wanted to reach feeling stronger and healthier.
Returning to the natural bodybuilding stage at 50 became an added bonus. I've competed in 12 natural bodybuilding competitions across local, state, national and international levels, placing 2nd in Queensland, 4th in Australia and 3rd in the Asia-Pacific international competition twice, in two different weight divisions.
My last competition was in 2012. Now, I'm working towards stepping back on stage for my 50th, hoping to achieve my first 1st-place finish or, at the very least, present the best physique I've ever brought to the stage.
But deep down, I know there's more to this journey than a trophy or how I look on stage.
I know I can do better, not by rushing the process, but by learning to enjoy it. I want to appreciate being healthy, capable and strong, and recognise that every year I can move, train and challenge myself is something to be grateful for.