Representing Australia at the Natural Olympia in Vegas and the UFE Worlds in Toronto

Introduction
In November this year, I will be representing Australia in Body Building at the UFE Worlds, held in Toronto and Natural Olympia held in Las Vegas. Hundreds of elite athletes from all over the world will be competing at these two events and I am super excited and proud to be representing Australia!

Background
Everyone has their story, so here is mine. My family migrated to Australia when I was 8 years old, with nothing but their degrees, very limited English and a couple of suitcases. My parents came to Australia to escape communism, a war zone, corruption and prosecution. They came here looking to build a better life for us and to give me access to better education, a safer and more stable environment and an overall better quality of life.
Since I was little I was always very active. It started at dance school when I was little and progressed to cross fit and triathlons as well as regular gym training. In 2013 I went through an extremely hard year emotionally, which resulted in a feeling of insecurity to the point where I hated myself. I lacked all self-control and I turned to food for comfort. As a result I gained a lot of weight for my petite frame and very quickly. I was extremely unhappy with my life, with how I looked and felt, and the notion that I had completely lost myself took over. I lost all confidence in myself and this slowly overtook my life.
At one point in early 2014 I saw the reflection of me on my mother’s face and I cried, as reality hit and I realised what I had done to myself. I was leading a destructive lifestyle ie destroying my body and my mental health. This is what pushed me to face my demons and take control myself again. My very first training session was extremely hard ; I felt heavy, fat, disoriented and out of place. I felt extremely intimidated by everyone else in the gym. It was a huge psychological struggle to not run out of the gym and hide on my couch with comfort food. There were lots of tears and it was an extremely hard uphill struggle. I would not have been able to get through this time, without the support of my mother. It took some time to see positive changes in my fitness and in my body and mind, but I slowly got into the routine and began lifting weights, doing HIIT, educating myself on clean eating and nutrition.
Now I love my time in the gym. My mind is in a positive place and I am constantly educating myself on health, fitness and nutrition. I feel accomplished, proud and confident and most of all happy.
The biggest reward to date has been when someone talks to me about fitness and health and tells me I have motivated them to take control of their health and fitness. The feeling of knowing I have positively influenced and impacted someone’s life is the biggest reward. Being an example of someone who has struggled with health and fitness and turned their life around, is a huge motivator for me and if I can positively influence one person’s life that is a huge achievement to me.
A year and a half later, I decided to try my luck in the body building industry, 4 different competitions later I achieved 9 placings and a Most Photogenic Award, resulting in my qualifications for the UFE Worlds and the Natural Olympia in 2015. I never dreamed that I, a child who immigrated to Australia, living off charity donations back then, would have the opportunity now to compete at an International level and represent Australia.

How the funds will be used
I am raising funds to assist with travelling to and competing at an international event. First and foremost, I need to cover the cost of my mother’s travel. She has been my supporter, my personal coach and my moral and mental foundation from day one she has been at every competition I attend. I would not be able to compete at such event without her guidance, expertise and support. I would not have the opportunity to represent Australia if she did not bring me to this country, completely re-establish our lives and overcome every financial and otherwise ruthless obstacle that was in her way.
I would never have become who I am today, nor achieved what I have achieved to date if it wasn’t for my mother. She has been my rock, my inspiration and my biggest supporter.
A few things I have learnt from my mother and my own journey, and these are to never give up, work hard and with a positive attitude , be proud of what you achieve and that anything is possible if you are willing to work hard for it. Follow me on my journey to worlds and Olympia on my Instagram @lekcm

Thanks all for your generosity J
lots of love!!! xxxoxoxoxoxoxoxox