November 1, 2008

Meet Lynette Williams – the Summer 2008 SAF Model Search Fitness Model Winner

I’ve been told many times now that our SAF Model Search competitions are the best women’s physique events around. Obviously, it is something I like to hear, but I don’t 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, it’s 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, there’s 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, it’s 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 it’s the best women’s show around.

Now, about Lynette. Frankly, before the Summer 2008 show, I’d never even met her, so I didn’t 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: she’s the mother of three children. That impressed me because it proved once again that motherhood and fitness can go hand in hand.

But that’s all I knew about her. In fact, to this day, I don’t 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 didn’t 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 didn’t think I was going to be able to do it. The stress of the situation was leaving me exhausted like I’ve 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. I’m 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 wouldn’t be able to do it all. I’m very thankful to be part of this industry and to be involved with a community of people who are so supportive."

Lynette’s 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 wouldn’t 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. Lynette’s not likely to underestimate her potential again.

Lynette’s 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 women’s physique event of the year. I have no doubt that this isn’t the last time you’ll hear from Lynette Williams, a dedicated and inspiring competitor whom I’m glad to know just a little bit better and whom we’re 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.