| Archives November 1, 2008

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Lynette onstage at the
Summer 2008 SAF Model Search.
(Photo June 2008 by D. Dave Paul) |
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Meet Lynette Williams the
Summer 2008 SAF Model Search Fitness Model Winner
Ive been told many times now that our SAF Model
Search competitions are the best womens physique events around. Obviously, it is
something I like to hear, but I dont just thank our supporters for the compliment
and leave it at that; I always ask them why they like our competitions so much. After all,
its this kind of feedback that can make us even better.
The reasons why people like the shows so much vary, but
mostly it comes down to two main things. One reason is the great prizes. The first-place
winners receive cash, and the top three in each category get trophies and become part of
the SAF Elite. Additional awards are given to other competitors for excellence in
different categories. For example, theres a cash prize for the best competitor over
age 35, and now there are even cash prizes for presentation in a bikini and in fitness
wear. Furthermore, everyone who competes goes home with a great gift package courtesy of
our sponsors. As a result, it can be quite rewarding to enter an SAF Model Search event.
The other reason is because our competitions offer
something unique: tremendous exposure opportunities that can lead to greater opportunities
in the fitness industry. This exposure happens not only at the event where the media are
present, but continues long after the event is over. For many, its a stepping-stone
to the future and the most important reason they compete. For instance, after Lynette
Williams won the Fitness Model category at the Summer 2008 event, she told me that the
main reason she entered was the kind of exposure the SAF contests provide.
One way winners get ongoing exposure is by being featured
in photos on SeriousAboutFitness.com, SAFModelSearch.com and our various other SAF sites.
They are also featured on SAF Model Search posters and other advertising literature for
future events. In addition, many of the women have also appeared in other publications
such as Oxygen and Inside Fitness. Last but not least, the winners get
showcased in articles like this one, which allow them to tell their own story. Without a
doubt, the SAF Model Search is the place to get discovered, which makes it no
surprise that so many people think its the best womens show around.
Now, about Lynette. Frankly, before the Summer 2008 show,
Id never even met her, so I didnt know a thing about her more or less
proof that a new competitor can step right in and sweep the top spot away from veteran
competitors. The only thing I knew was what was on her entry form: that she lives in
London, Ontario, and, on the contest day, she was 29 years of age. During the contest I
also learned one other interesting thing: shes the mother of three children. That
impressed me because it proved once again that motherhood and fitness can go hand in hand.
But thats all I knew about her. In fact, to this day,
I dont know much more. Therefore, for this article, I thought it best to let Lynette
tell her own story and we would find out more about this interesting woman who did so well
in our Summer 2008 show. So I got together with Lynette and this is what she said:
"Way back in my teenage years and early twenties, I
was a model. I didnt eat well and I was a typical cardio queen. Honestly, I had no
idea what I was doing to my body I thought that was the way to stay skinny.
"Once I got pregnant with my first child, I cleaned up
my act and started eating healthier for the sake of my baby. I felt so much better and
healthier and just knew my little one was much better off for it. After she was born, I
began weight training to get back into shape. The results were unbelievable and I felt
better than I ever had.
"After the birth of my second child, I decided I
wanted to try a competition. I took a personal-training course to educate myself more and
trained hard. I signed up for a competition, ensuring there was no way I was backing down.
But five weeks before the big day, I found out I was pregnant again. As a result, there
was no way I could compete. I was so disappointed.
"During my pregnancy I made my plan and chose my show
ten months after my third child was born I stepped on stage at the 2006 FAME
Halloween Mayhem where I placed sixth. The following year I did four more shows, placing
in the top five in each. That year, I also started my own personal-training business. So,
going into 2008, I had a flourishing business, three small children, and a hectic training
schedule. I was determined to become a better trainer and a better competitor.
"My next show was the UFE Spring Bash I placed
first, and I was elated. I then decided to try my hand at the SAF Model Search. However,
only a few weeks before the show my husband and I split up and I was on my own with my
three kids. I didnt think I was going to be able to do it. The stress of the
situation was leaving me exhausted like Ive never experienced in my life. But I had
worked so hard and was so close, I knew I had to do the show for myself. And I was
absolutely shocked when I won the Fitness Model category. Only one week after the SAF
show, my goal of working for Oxygen came true. I did a photo shoot that was
featured in the November 2008 issue. It just proved to me that I have so much more
determination than I ever knew.
"There was so much stress and devastation during that
time, but the reward of competing at SAF and my Oxygen shoot helped me get through
it and kept my mind focused on something else. I am now on my own with my kids, trying to
be the best mom I can be. Im continuing to train for more shows and am working hard
at expanding my business. Without the personal satisfaction that comes with being a
fitness competitor, I wouldnt be able to do it all. Im very thankful to be
part of this industry and to be involved with a community of people who are so
supportive."

Lynette wins her class at the Summer 2008 SAF Model
Search. Meaghan Prince (left) was second and Goretti Francisco was third.
(Photo by D. Dave Paul)
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Lynettes story is an inspiring one
it proves that, although seemingly insurmountable obstacles can stand in your way,
if you remain focused on your goals and dedicated to your dreams, you can still succeed.
After all, had she backed out of the Summer 2008 show, she wouldnt be where she is
today. Furthermore, despite her setbacks, her performance at that event was extremely
impressive and it was not at all surprising that she won. In the judges eyes, she
was a clear winner from start to finish. Lynettes not likely to underestimate her
potential again.
Lynettes win at the Summer 2008 show now makes her
part of our prestigious SAF Elite that also includes women such as Natalie Waples,
Michelle de Maria and Christy Wolfe, just to name a few. It also makes her eligible for
the 2009 SAF Elite Championships that will be held next summer, the top womens
physique event of the year. I have no doubt that this isnt the last time youll
hear from Lynette Williams, a dedicated and inspiring competitor whom Im glad to
know just a little bit better and whom were proud to have on our SAF team.
. . . Doug Schneider
das@seriousaboutfitness.com
For more information about Lynette and her
personal-training services, visit FitFocus.ca. |