Nicole Wilkins

1. Nicole, how are you?

Nicole Wilkins: Fantastic!

2. So, what led you to a career in the fitness industry?

Nicole Wilkins: I was a gymnast for 13 years and had known previous gymnasts that went into the sport of fitness. After attending the 2002 Arnold Classic (as a competitor in gymnastics) and watching the fitness girls perform at the night show, I knew that this was something I had to be a part of. I met my husband that next year (who was a competitive bodybuilder) and he helped me get ready for my first show.

3. At the 2008 IFBB Figure Olympia you've taken the 9th place and last week you became the 2009 Figure Olympia Champion. How has your training and figure competition diet changed since last year?

Nicole Wilkins: My diet really was very similar- lower carb, moderate fat and higher protein. The major change I made was the increasing the amount of running I was doing. The main critique I had received from last year was to streamline my legs a bit more to match my upper body. I began running just before the Arnold this year and had continued through the summer. I still lifted upper body heavy (shoulders especially) so that my upper half wouldn't change too much.

4. This year you've entered five competitions and won three competitions in a row, including IFBB New York Pro Figure, IFBB Europa Show of Champions and the massive Figure Olympia. How does your body cope with so many tough figure competitions?

Nicole Wilkins: I have always been the type to perform better at the second show if they are back to back. Maybe it gives me more confidence going into the second show knowing that I am where I need to be. I did the Europa the week after NY Pro Fitness and the Olympia after the NY Pro Figure and won them both as you had mentioned. I believe I have found the weight that I need to be at to look my best.

5. You've had success in so many areas of the industry, as a competitor, international fitness model and personal trainer. What accounts for your tremendous success in so many areas?

Nicole Wilkins: I am extremely self motivated and always try to look at life optimistically. I know that whether or not I put forth 100% effort, I deserve the consequence good or bad. I don't dwell on the bad, I just make improvements for the future. I am always trying to learn new things and challenge myself.

6. Are champions made or born? What effect does genetics play in championship athletes like you? Are you naturally endowed with perfect physique, or do the changes in muscles shape / dimension occur mainly by vigorous fitness training?

Nicole Wilkins: Champions are made, however you can be born with great genetics. I know many athletes that are extremely talented but don't do anything with it. I can honestly say that I have worked very hard for the way my physique looks today. I was a gymnast for a majority of my life which I contribute to the width of my back and the sweep of my quads. When I ended my gymnastics career, I began vigorous fitness training in the gym with weights to improve on my weak areas. However, if you look at my family, no one works out on a regular basis like I do, so it is hard to know how much my genetics have played a roll. To answer your question, I think it is a little bit of both.