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Q. You won the Ms. International version of the Arnold Classic Weekend in 1991, what do you most remember in your moment of Victory on stage with Arnold?
A. I was simply ecstatic! To be completely honest the trophy ceremony is a complete blur. I remember how awesome the trophy was that year! Weeks later after seeing photos in the muscle magazines, I saw just how elated I was to win, in one of the winning photos it captures me, literally, jumping for joy and looking up for a moment to thank God! I was in the best condition of my life and was so happy that my family was there to see me win!❤
Q. At the time you won the Women's bodybuilding title at the Arnold Classic there was only Men & Women's Bodybuilding Divisions, you were their last year in 2016 what did you experience and how did it feel since the Women's Bodybuilding no longer exists at the Arnold Classic?
A. When I won that in 1991, I had no idea Women's Bodybuilding would one day no longer co-exit with the Men's so it really didn't affect me much. I did sense a turn in female bodybuilding. The women were getting extremely larger and basically freaky looking! I was glad the year I won that they were still judging a more feminine look. That was when I started considering retirement from competition because I was not going to get any bigger to win a competition!
Q. How was the experience backstage at the Arnold Classic when you competed there, were there friendships or rivalries? Did you have a trainer assisting your preparation if so elaborate on that please?
A. Backstage is usually very nerve racking but that year I was pretty confident in my condition and tried not to compare myself to anyone backstage because it's a whole different story onstage. This was the only year that I had a rivalry going on...the magazines were calling it the Anja/Tonya show and that really kept me focused on my diet and training. Many women have a husband, boyfriend or trainer helping them with all their diet and training plan. That particular year I was totally on my own. I knew what I was doing. I did have Rick Valente take a look at me from time to time at the gym to see if he thought I was where I should be for how many weeks I had left...I remember him seeing me one day saying are you eating your yams? Your ankles look so skinny, lol! He taught me a lot about contest prep when I first moved to California. I also remember training legs with you (Shawn Ray) a few times before the show!
Q. What did you most enjoy about winning the Arnold Classic at the time and looking back what do you miss not being a professional athlete any longer?
A. I loved everything about winning the Arnold's Classic. This was my Ms. Olympia but better. I was unable to compete in the Ms.O because the timing of the Ms. Olympia was to close to the filming of the American Gladiators ( I played Gold) and I didn't have time to recover from the beatings I took and get prepared for the Olympia on time. Arnold's show was "First Class". They took such great care of you, gave you great gifts (like, tennis shoes and workout wear). To answer the second part of that question, I am still a professional Bodybuilder but I know longer compete. I really don't miss much about competing any longer. I'm enjoying training for the way I want to look today. I love having the knowledge about diet and training that I have learned through the years. I still love the Legacy I left. Good and bad!
Q. With so many categories to choose from for all the athletes now, what advice would you share with any of them pursuing the Arnold Classic Title and what's the first thing they should do if they win regarding self promotion?
A. To anyone who is pursuing the Arnold Classic Title my advice is to remember you must eat, train, sleep and breathe training for at least 3-4 months before the show. Be ready to kiss your social life goodbye and have a great support system and a mapped out plan. After winning the title, stay on your diet and training program for awhile and book as many photo shoots and interviews as possible while still looking amazing. Get your name out there. Try to do as many appearances as you can and always be a Class Act to your fans. They remember and shape your legacy!
Q. Summarize the Arnold Classic Experience from beggining to end as if was back in 1991 if you can and would you change any part of that experience in hindsight?
A. Everyone loves this competition and it is an honor to be able to compete and unbelievable to win. Winning a show with Arnold's name attached to it can take you far. I wouldn't change a single thing about my experience, it was such a blessing in my life...
Thank you.
Shawn Ray
SMOKE WEED EVERYDAY
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