A former Bega woman who only took up bodybuilding six months ago in already among the country’s best.
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Jodie McVeity now lives in Bargara, near Bundaberg in Queensland, but was Bega born and bred. She is a single mother of two and turns 36 this weekend.
Six months ago she decided to challenge herself by starting a diet and training regime with an eye on the Australian Women's Natural Body Sculpting competition in Brisbane, Queensland on October 1.
At her first competition, the judges must have been suitably impressed despite her inexperience as McVeity was crowned overall champion!
At the AWNBS Queensland titles, she placed first in the fitness mothers category, first in the 30 years and over, first in fitness first timers and first place in short novice. McVeity also picked up third place in the swimsuit category for 30 and over and fourth in swimsuit novice, all adding up to the overall win.
Her victory at state level entitled her to contest the AWNBS national titles, which were held in Brisbane a fortnight later.
At the national level McVeity placed third, earning her World Natural Bodybuilding Federation pro card in the process.
“Everyone is really supportive of each other back stage. They knew I was a mum and had to travel 4-5 hours just to compete so they were impressed with my commitment,” McVeity said.
With the decision made, McVeity worked with a dedicated coach, with two-hour training sessions, four or five times a week.
She also had to be very strict on diet, counting calories of everything put into her body for those six months.
“You have to be committed – it’s quite selfish in a way,” she said.
“It’s heads down and no excuses.
“Along the way you do doubt yourself, but it’s all a mind game.”
After the competition is just as tough, physically and mentally – known in bodybuilding circles as the post-comp blues McVeity said.
She said on the Sunday following her win “you feel like you want to eat so much, but it’s like your stomach has shrunk and you can’t”.
“You’re exhausted mentally and physically. It’s a pretty tough sport.”
McVeity said her coach remains a key figure following competition with “reverse dieting” and emotional support.
Also supportive are her two children, aged four and five, and her family – including step-mum Di in Bega, who is very excited and proud.
McVeity said despite reaching the heights of a national podium so soon after taking up the sport, she is considering taking a year off away from the circuit.
On the cards is the potential of a personal training business.
“I’m very passionate about fitness,” she said.
“I’m PT qualified and looking to start my own business next year once both kids are at school. I want to specialise in training other women.”