A Leicestershire mum has placed fifth in a prestigious bodybuilding competition, which saw her compete against dozens of other women from across the world.
Blanka Harvey, recently took part in the Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) Championships, which were held in Los Angeles on November 19/20.
Ms Harvey placed fifth in her category, a feat made even more impressive due to the fact that just three years ago, her weight was at an all time high, following her second pregnancy.
However, after joining a local gym and deciding to ditch the take-aways, she was able to shed five stone. Within a matter of months, she’d become a qualified fitness instructor and Zumba teacher.
Off the back of this, she fell in love with bodybuilding and began entering bodybuilding contests – and winning them at the first attempt.
Blanka told Pukaar News that she was “delighted” with her top five finish out in LA – something which she’d been secretly targeting ahead of the competition.
“It was amazing – just a really incredible experience and fifth place was just absolutely unbelievable – I think I had more happy tears than ever before!” said the 31-year-old.
“I was on centre stage throughout the entire competition and I had some really lovely, positive feedback,” added the Ashby resident, who’s originally from Hungary.
“I’m just really, really proud and it was an honour just to be there and experience it myself.”
Ahead of the competition, Ms Harvey revealed that she was eating 3,500 calories a day, and training six times a week as part of her preparation.
However, now she’s looking forward to “recovering” and enjoying a more relaxed diet over the Christmas period.
“Because I really pushed my body to the extreme over the past seven months I am now entering a period of recovery,” she explained.
“I will definitely not stop training, I will be continuing with my workouts and I’ll see how I feel,” she replied when asked about any plans for competing in 2023.
“Over Christmas I’m going to enjoy all the foods I’ve missed, and gaining some healthy fat percentage back.
“I have plans to visit a few lovely Christmas markets that’s for sure!” she added.
