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Tuesday, August 05, 2008 - 2:41 PM
PHOTO BY CARL AND NADIA JOHNSON
Name: Sharlyn Hampton
Current age: 30
Home town: St. Louis, MO
Height: 5'5"
Contest Body Weight: 117 LBS
Off Season Body Weight: 140 LBS
Name of training facility: Bally Sports Club and USA Gym
Tell us briefly about yourself. Any general information you want to provide about who you are, what you do, family life, special interests etc.
I am currently living in Chicago. I'm a personal trainer at Bally Sports Club in Hyde Park.
PHOTO BY CARL AND NADIA JOHNSON
How many years have you been training?
I started training for bodybuilding in 2006 but played sports in high school and college, which required weight training.
Why did you get into bodybuilding?
I started working at River City Bally's in 2006. Several of the trainers there had competed before and were getting ready for upcoming shows. They convinced me to compete as well. I thought this would be a perfect way to get over my stage fright and also transform my physique.
How many competitions have you done?
I've competed in three competitions: NPC Midwest Caveman Show 2007, NPC Grand Prix Natural Bodybuilding Show and NPC IL State. I won Overall in all three competitions.
Who did you work with throughout your contest preparation, if anyone, and how did they help you?
Since I began in 2006 I've received so much advice and help with training, nutrition, posing, supplements, dieting and pre-contest preparation. I would not have won 3 shows if it weren't for the help I received from Darian Trotter, Marcus Hardaway, TeShawn Edmonds-Raines, Jerome Cheathan, Kimani Levy and last, but definitely not least, Maurice Black and Valerie Tinsley. These trainers pushed me past limits I never thought I could surpass! They're the best and I am so appreciative of their friendship and support!
What was the hardest thing about preparing for this most recent competition?
The hardest thing about preparing for a show is balancing work, my personal life and my training. Even though I was trying to reach my own goals, I still had clients who were trying to reach their fitness goals as well. Training 8-12 clients a day was tough. I was mentally and physically exhausted for most of May.
What kept you motivated and focused on your goals prior to your most recent competition?
My clients kept me motivated. They were all looking forward to seeing me on stage. I couldn't let them down. I also had two teammates who I trained with in the show. Their positive text messages helped keep me focused. My family and close friends also encouraged me everyday to continue pushing hard and reminded me of the progress I was making week by week.
PHOTO BY CARL AND NADIA JOHNSON
Why do you think you won over the competition in your most recent show?
I believe I was more conditioned then the others and also had better symmetry.
What are your future plans?
I plan on competing in Jr. Nationals next year. My goal is to put on more size and compete at the top of the middle weight class.
I also want to thank my family, friends and clients for all their patience and support.
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