| People May 1, 2009
|
Mindi's recent photo
shoot with Paul Buceta was like a dream come true for her. The entire shoot was taped and
will be featured in her upcoming video, All About Mindi 2, that's being produced
by SeriousAboutFitness.com.
(Photo Feb. 2009 by Doug Schneider) |
|
Meet SAF Elite Star Sarah Di Luccio
by Doug Schneider
One of the most exciting things about our SAF Model Search
events is that it’s the place where new competitors can instantly emerge and become
the new stars in the industry. I’d say that at least half of the women who enter the
competition have never competed before, and many of those newcomers go home winners.
In the case of Sarah Di Luccio, she wasn’t a complete
novice before she competed in the Summer ’08 SAF Model Search – I had seen her
compete in figure a few years before. However, she’d never competed in any type of
fitness modeling competition. The Summer ’08 show was her first and, thankfully,
won’t be her last.
Sarah was the second runner-up in the Fitness Model
category at the Summer ‘08 show, a placing that qualified her to be part of our SAF
Elite. The next time Sarah competes with us will be at the 2009 SAF Elite Championship on
June 20, a prestigious, invitation-only event for our SAF Elite stars.
Sarah is petite – she stands about 5’ 2½"
and weighs 114 pounds – but she has the potential to do big things in the fitness
industry. She has the kind of attractive, healthy look that many women aspire to, and she
has the goal of being a role model for other women who want to get into shape. These are
the prerequisites to be a fitness leader, not a follower, and she’s young – just
24 years old – so she has plenty of time ahead of her to make her dreams come true.
I last met Sarah in the spring of this year at a photo
shoot in a gym in Toronto. I hadn’t actually seen her since she competed at Summer
’08 SAF Model Search show, and so I not only wanted to get good photographs of her,
but I wanted to learn more about her too. I found Sarah to be well-spoken, articulate and
with a clear direction on what she wants to achieve. When I asked her to provide "her
story" so our readers could learn more about her as well, she gladly complied,
although she wanted to first gather her thoughts and supply it to me a few days later,
which she did. Here is what Sarah said:
About me
I was kind of a tomboy while growing up and have pretty
well been active/athletic my entire life. I truly love sports and staying fit is part of
me! I always strive to be the best I can be – in every aspect of my life. I believe
that we shape who we are and that we can all be whatever we want. All you have to do is
believe in yourself and work hard.
Currently, my training regimen consists of weight training
(lots of supersets and drop-sets), cardio (plenty of intervals, it keeps things
interesting), running, hot yoga and Pilates.
Presently, I work in retail operations for GNC Canada. I
love working there. I’m always busy, but I love what I do and I work with a great
group of people.
My athletic profile
About four years ago, I began competing in figure in
OPA-sanctioned events. I placed second in my second competition and then went on to place
fifth in the Provincial Championships the following year. Shortly after competing at the
Provincials, I realized that my true passion lay in fitness modeling. I decided to explore
this new area by scheduling a few photo shoots to build my portfolio. Much to my surprise,
one of my photos was then featured as the "Female Form" fitness model in the
spring 2008 edition of Inside Fitness. Following my feature there, I decided to
compete in the Summer ’08 SAF Model Search and placed third in the Fitness Model
category.
Game plan for 2009
So far, I have committed to competing in the Fitness STAR
Model Search, SAF Elite Championship and the WBFF Championships. Since the start of this
year, I’ve also been quite busy with photo shoots and marketing pieces. It’s
been so much fun. I can’t wait for more, more, more!
Goals and ambitions
My main objective is to excel within the fitness industry
and obtain more work as fitness model. My long-term goal has been the same since I began
training – I strive to continuously inspire others and act as a role model for women.
I want women to know and understand that a toned, healthy physique is totally attainable
and that it is never too late to step it up and begin leading a healthy life.
Anyone can do it – all you have to do is believe you can and it will happen. It just
takes it a little hard work and determination.
Favorite quote
"All that we are is a result of what we have
thought." -- Buddha |
