| People July 1, 2007
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Maya Avelino won the
2007 SAF Model Search Fitness Model category with a string of first-place votes.
(Photo June 2007 by Doug Schneider) |
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Meet Maya Avelino –
2007 SAF Model Search Fitness Model Winner
The 2007 SAF Model Search was an enormous success. It was
held on June 15, and it featured some of the most beautiful models in Canada. There were
two categories, Fitness Model and Figure Model, with about 25 women competing in the
Fitness Model category alone. It was the Fitness Model competitors who were onstage first,
and the competition in this category was tough. In fact, I was bowled over by the overall
quality of the competitors in this first competition.
However, as good as many of the women looked, when petite
Maya Avelino of Toronto walked onto the stage (she’s only 5’1" tall and
weighs 105 in show shape), I heard a number of people around me say, "She’s
going to be hard to beat." Indeed. Maya is a gorgeous young woman who has a fit,
healthy, attractive, confident look, which is exactly what the SAF Model Search judges
were looking for. She won the Fitness Model category with a string of first-place votes.
Following the competition, I had a chance to meet with Maya
not only to take photos that will be featured here and on our various sites, but also to
learn a little bit more about her so our readers, too, could get to know her better. Here
is what she had to say:
"I was born and raised in Toronto, and I have always
been very lucky to have been, and continue to be, surrounded by a supportive and happy
family. I have always had a strong interest in fitness and nutrition, and I embraced
a fitness-based lifestyle at a young age. I always admired the
women I saw in fitness magazines and wanted to strive towards that ideal for
myself: a strong, healthy, confident woman whose personality shines from the inside
out.
"My family had introduced me to weights and running,
but it wasn't until the end of high school that I was really committed to a
sport. I fell in love with boxing – I loved everything about it: the history,
the science, the art, and the adrenaline. I began training to compete in amateur
boxing near the end of high school. In my short time when I was completely immersed
in the sport, I had the privilege to meet icons such as Muhammad Ali, who further inspired
me to reach and attain every dream and goal that I could set for myself.
"I started my fitness career when I was getting my
personal training certification, and I met an amazing trainer who helped me take my
physique to the next level in order to compete in my first fitness competition, which was
the FAME (WNSO) Nationals in 2004. I had eight weeks to prepare, and in
that time I was amazed at how my body was transformed. I came seventh out
of 230 women in the Fitness Model Open category. Needless to say, I was hooked! I
went on to obtain a WNSO Pro Card and placed in the top 10 in their professional show the
following year. Shortly after, I took first place in the Fitness Model category with
Fitness Canada.
"I took the 2006 season off, but I missed the
sport like crazy and I couldn't wait to get back on stage for 2007. Recently,
I competed in my first figure competition with the OPA and placed first in the
OPA Ontario National Qualifier in the figure category. I also won the Overall
figure title at the same show. The Sudbury Championships were held on the same
day, which I also entered – and won first place again! My latest show
was the 2007 SAF Figure and Fitness Model search, where I won first place in the
Fitness Model category. I had tons of fun on the stage all the while!
"Sometimes people ask why I do this, and I
think my reasons are pretty simple. First, I enjoy it! As well, I love the
challenge and I enjoy reaching my goals. Furthermore, the feeling you get onstage is
like no other. As serious as the commitment to the training and diet
is, it's all about having fun and enjoying yourself.
"I have many plans in the future to continue to stay
within the fitness industry while pursuing fitness modeling and my competition goals. I
currently work in the financial sector and as a personal trainer, but my dream job would
be to host a travel and leisure show with a fitness focus. For the long term, I plan to
travel around the world and see and explore everything it has to offer."
Obviously, Maya’s succeeding with her goals. With her
competitive achievements so far, particularly with her solid win at the 2007 SAF Model
Search, she has strong start in the fitness industry. No doubt, she’s bound to make
quite a name for herself. As well, Maya is an inspiration to other women by being a
testament to the benefits of living a healthy, fitness-based lifestyle, which is exactly
what we want to promote on SeriousAboutFitness.com.
Look out for more about Maya – you’ll be seeing
much more of her here on SeriousAboutFitness.com and on our SAF network of related sites
in the months and years to come.
...Doug Schneider
das@seriousaboutfitness.com
To learn more about Maya Avelino, visit her website at www.mayaavelino.com. |
