| People October 1, 2007
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Natalie's enjoyed
tremendous success in 2007; however, in 2008, her goal is to improve and do better.
(Photo Sept. 2007 by Doug Schneider) |
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Catching Up with Natalie Waples Again
A few months ago, we published an interview with Natalie Waples, one of
Canada’s fastest-rising figure stars whom I also happen to coach. However, since then
a lot has happened: Natalie won the Overall title at the CBBF National World Qualifier,
she took fourth place at the IFBB North American Championships, and she was part of Team
Canada at the IFBB World Championships in Spain. Furthermore, she has also had some other
interesting opportunities come her way.
So, given that so many things have happened in such a short
time, I thought it appropriate to touch base with Natalie once again when she arrived home
from Spain, to hear her own thoughts on her extraordinary successes this season.
Doug Schneider: You’ve just
arrived home from the IFBB World Championships in Spain. Can you describe that experience
for us?
Natalie Waples: It was unbelievable. There
were 45 countries represented at this event, with over 100 figure competitors. To see the
cultural differences between us become obsolete when we are up there on that stage is a
pretty impressive thing. We were all there for the same purpose: to represent our country
and do our best. The scope of the event was intimidating, but I hope to be back next year
for more.
DS: Let’s go back to the CBBF
National World Qualifier in June. I was there coaching you for that and talking to you
about remaining focused for the Overall title. During the afternoon, it seemed like you
didn’t think you’d win. But, you did. Can you tell us how you felt when they
called your name as the winner?
NW: I was in complete shock. My two
friends who had traveled with me to the show leapt out of their seats and screamed –
it was incredible.
DS: Now let’s talk about the IFBB
North American Championships. Your goal for that event was just to get a
"callout." You did much better – you tied for third, and then after the
tie-breaking decision you ended up in fourth place. How did that make you feel?
NW: Again, a complete shock. I wasn’t
sure how the American judges would feel about my look, but apparently they were happy. I
will definitely be back next year, vying for the top spot and the chance at an IFBB Pro
Card.
DS: In June, you also took part in the
Fitness Universe competition in Miami, Florida. How did you do there?
NW: There were over 100 girls in the
fitness model category. I took eighth place in my height class. I also placed fourth in
figure in my height class. It was a great show – professionally run and held in the
heart of Miami, which was definitely a bonus. Along with fellow SAF model Kelly Taphouse,
I had a great time there.
DS: Did you learn much from these
successes this year that can help you in 2008?
NW: I learned that I need to focus more.
I’ve done well this year, but the competing was combined with additional traveling
for promotional modeling jobs, plus a full-time job, so I wasn’t 100 percent focused
on competing. Next year I am going to give each show’s preparation 110 percent!
DS: Now that you’re back from
Spain, are you ready to take a bit of a break from competing?
NW: Definitely. I will not be competing
again until the Arnold Amateur Figure Championships in March of 2008. I will be working
hard at the gym to gain some more muscle and refine my look for next season.
DS: In August, you had an exciting
development with your sponsor, Natural Nutrition Inc. They want you to film infomercials.
Can you explain?
NW: My Canadian supplement company
sponsor, Interactive Nutrition, was purchased by Natural Nutrition Inc. back in the
spring. When Natural Nutrition Inc. saw my pictures in an Interactive Nutrition press
release, they decided to recruit me as the female face of their new product line. We start
shooting this winter – I can’t wait!
DS: Is television and video work
something you’d like to pursue more?
NW: If the opportunity presented itself,
definitely, but it was never something I had planned on. I enjoy having the ability to
travel and meet like-minded individuals, and working with health- and nutrition-based
companies gives me that chance.
DS: Finally, many women think that to
attain the level you have reached, it has to be a full-time job. However, you have a
full-time job as a human resources officer at one of the government departments in Canada.
Can you explain how you manage to do both?
NW: I schedule working out into my planner
just like I would a dental appointment or a meeting at work. It’s a commitment I make
to myself, which has afforded me great health benefits as well as wonderful modeling
opportunities. I figure that if it’s important to you, you will make time for it.
DS: Thanks, Natalie.
...Doug Schneider
das@seriousaboutfitness.com |
