TURAKINA farmer Jan Dixon is aiming to peak for the World Natural Bodybuilding Olympia competition in Las Vegas next month.
After qualifying for the Olympia at the Inba (International Natural Bodybuilding Association) World Natural Body Building Championships in Dubai in June, Dixon set her sights on the Nabba (National Amateur Bodybuilding Association) Nationals in Auckland at the weekend as part of her build up for Las Vegas.
However, City Gym trainer Pat McNamara said Dixon went into the competition underdone after missing training while away as coach for the Under-15 Wanganui Hockey girls at the nationals in Christchurch last week.
Dixon still managed a podium finish coming second to former Wanganui bodybuilder Vicky Boswell in the senior physique women 40+ section.
"Ironically, Jan got beaten by a girl I used to train up until 12 months who now lives and works in Palmerston North. Any other time Jan would have nailed the title, but missing some training made it difficult at the weekend," McNamara said yesterday.
"I'll have to tie her down and help get her ready for Las Vegas now, there's only four weeks left before she flies out."
Dixon said she knew she was slightly underdone for the nationals in Auckland last week, but was confident she would be ready for Olympia.
Dixon has entered the open short and over-40 women's classes in Los Vegas.
"I won the 40+ in Dubai and came second in the open short, but I'm not sure what to expect in Las Vegas - I don't know how strong the competition will be," Dixon said.
"I had a day off yesterday coming back from Auckland but it's straight back to the gym this afternoon. I'm confident I'll be ready in time. I have a bit of work to do - cardio mainly."
Wanganui's Maureen Thomas (Club Fitness) had also been selected for the Las Vegas Olympia, but had decided not to go. She came second in the senior figure 50+ in Auckland at the weekend.
"I was very pleased with that. I've had a very consistent year with podium finishes in four competitions leading up to the nationals," Thomas said.
"I got selected for three international events this year - the Nabba in India in June, which was cancelled, the Nabba in the Philippines, which I'm not going to and the Inba in Las Vegas which I'm also not going to. I will stay in training for the Nabba in North Harbour in two weeks time," she said.
Former Wanganui club rugby standout Mundson Ah Chong was the only other athlete from the River City to podium finish on Sunday, with a third in the novice athletic tall section.
Sasha Crafar finished fifth in the novice figure short and in the senior figure 40+ women Audrey O'Keefe finished sixth.