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I am a Competitor
by Ginny Gardea I am a competitor. I have a dream, the drive, and determination to win. Every day is a personal best. I have endured where others dropped out. When it gets hard, I push harder. When I hit a wall, I break through. I began training to shed a little pregnancy weight and to see what I what I might be able to accomplish in regard to building a new physique. I figured that even if I placed dead last I would be in the best shape of my life and have completed something I set out to do. I didn’t finish last and after walking off that stage I found myself with a whole new set of goals. I wanted to win. My whole life, I avoided confrontation and conflict, never recognizing my true potential. As it turns out, I am fiercely competitive—especially with myself. I have bled through my shoes and wrung sweat from my clothes. I have outrun my demons and outlasted my own limitations. When I think I’m done I grind out one more rep and even exhausted, sprint that last leg. My joints hurt and muscles ache but I can’t wait to get up tomorrow and do it all again. If I fail, if I quit, the only one disappointed will be me and I’m not about to let that happen. Another personal attribute I discovered in this process is that of the teammate and cheerleader. I have the ultimate respect for anyone who braves the gauntlet of any type of competition. It takes courage and determination to step on stage or up to the platform. In all of us beats the heart of a warrior. I want my fellow competitors to achieve greatness and know the thrill of success. But, don’t underestimate my desire to win. If I earn a place in a top five lineup, don’t think for a second that I don’t want to beat ever other girl who has also worked hard to be there. When I take the stage my head will be high. I will walk with pride, determination, and defiance because I have denied those who doubted me. I will be my best on that day. I will smile because I have already won. I met the challenge head-on and wherever the chips fall, no one can call me a quitter. I will hold my pose with grace and poise, honoring my body of work. Each transition feels familiar and strong. I am ready. I am a competitor.
Never quit. Ginny Gardea makes her home in Portland, Oregon with her husband and one year old son. She is an NPC Figure competitor and trains with IFBB Figure Pro, Kristi Tauti. Ginny entered her first competition in 2007, just four months after the birth of her son. She hit the stage and never looked back. Ginny holds a degree in Speech & Communications from Western Oregon University. In addition to training for competition, she enjoys traveling, reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Ginny can be reached at ggardea@impactfitnessproducts.com. |
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