Susan Simons ticked another box in her quest to become a professional bodybuilder competing at the National Physique Committee’s Mel Chancey Harbour Classic in Florida.

The mother of one achieved her objective of qualifying for a national championship, where she hopes to secure a professional card.

She also earned a gold medal and two silvers for added measure at the event held on August 28.

Simons earned silver competing in the Bikini category and then capped an extraordinary debut in the Wellness category, where she won gold in the masters over-35 division and silver in the Open Wellness respectively.

“This was my third NPC show but my debut in the Wellness category,” Simons told The Royal Gazette. “I had absolutely no expectations.

“Of course, I wanted to place top five to qualify myself for a nationals competition. But I went in primarily to get feedback and have fun.

“This was a national qualifier and I placed high enough to compete in a national level show. Being nationally qualified, I can do a national show where the top two in each category earn a pro card.

“That’s on the cards for sure and I am looking at a December show in the United States.

“I have been working towards that goal of turning pro. That’s the ultimate goal. For now I’m just enjoying the ride and progress we keep making.“

Simons overcame setbacks in preparation for the event owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I have been prepping since January but the recent Covid lock down held up plans and stopped preparation,” she said.

“Once we had the lock down, I just decided to workout from home as best I could and keep my diet tight. “Stress levels were high and it was a very difficult time to prep to be honest. My plans were definitely sabotaged a bit and progress slowed.”

Simons, who trains out of Beast Gym and the Ultimate Fitness Club, has made steady strides since she began competing in the sport.

“My first show was the Bermuda Bodybuilding Fitness Federation Night of Champions show here in 2018,” she said.

“I came dead last but it lit a fire on me. I have been in love with the sport ever since.”

A friendly bet led to Simons becoming a bodybuilder.

“It was sort of a bet between me and my friend Ed,” she said. “He was suggesting I just try it out and see as I had a lot of potential physically.

“He said give me three months to train you. It was all downhill from there because I love the training aspect and more so the competition of it all.”

As for balancing family life with her busy training regiment, Simons added: “I am a mother of a very supportive 11-year-old.

“He loves what I do so much that he too practices his poses in the mirror with me.

“It’s pretty entertaining and all he needs now are some muscles.

“To be honest, you never truly find a balance in life. I just do what I can in every 24 hours when it comes to my training and home life.

“Not every day is the same. Some days I may have time for 60 minutes in the gym and others only a quick 30 minutes.

“Regardless, though, I maximise my time and get the work done.

“I’m up early for fasted cardio, gym at some point during the day and then possibly more cardio in the evening.

“It’s not for the weak at heart that’s for sure. It helps to have a very supportive team behind me.”