She walked into a gym with the goal to lose weight and get healthy, but 25kg later and a lot more toned up, Wanganui's Sasha Crafar has started collecting her share of bodybuilding medals.
Crafar joined ReVitalise Health and Fitness Centre in August last year and under the auspices of owner Audrey O'Keefe began a 12-week programme which totally changed her eating habits and exercise plans.
Having lost 13kg and regained some of her competitive nature, Crafar felt confident enough to train for the National Amateur Bodybuilding Association (Nabba) Manawatu/Wanganui championships on April 5 at the Collegiate School auditorium.
She entered in the Novice Physique Short category and came third. Then with O'Keefe's help to improve her routines, she backed up on April 12 at the Nabba Taranaki championships in New Plymouth.
The rookie was "ecstatic" when she won Physique Novice - Short, in the Wall Theatre.