Building to Los Vegas trip

STATESIDE: After winning two overall class titles in five weeks Whanganui bodybuilder Jan Dixon is off to Los Vegas to defend her Natural Miss Olympia title in November.

Whanganui bodybuilder Jan Dixon has muscled her way in to the Natural Olympia tournament in Los Vegas in November where she will defend for Miss Olympia title.

The Turakina farmer has hit form at the right time to peak for the trip to Nevada, although City Gym Wanganui coach Pat McNamara has entered her for two more competitions to ensure she is on song for the American show.

The 50-year-old has won two overall titles and numerous class competitions in the last five weeks to qualify her for the Natural Olympia tournament.

Last weekend Dixon and club mate Tim Warren represented City Gym at the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) competition in Taupo where she competed in the Masters over 40 class and the Open Short Women grade.

There were three competitors in each class and Dixon took out both titles, which allowed her into the Overall Women's Bodybuilding category. She took this title as well.

Warren competed in the Junior men where there was a strong line up of eight competitors. He didn't place this time, but was in the top four.

Five weeks ago Dixon also won the NABBA overall title in Hastings.

"This now qualifies me for the Natural Olympia in Los Vegas in November where I will defend my Natural Miss Olympia title, Dixon said.

"A big thanks must go to Pat Mcnamara from City Gym Wanganui for all his guidance and patience, my husband Calvin, my children and my two new training partners, Tim Warren and Krista Adams."

Dixon and McNamara have been together for a decade now and she has won numerous high profile titles at competitions in New Zealand, Australia, the United States and at the worlds in Dubai just last year.

"Bodybuilding is not a high profile sport in New Zealand and most people don't realise the dedication and hard work that goes into winning the titles Jan has," McNamara said.

"We prefer the natural competitions where there is no drugs. Jan is peaking at the right time for the Natural Olympia show in Los Vegas, but we will go to Wellington and then the New Zealand Nationals in Napier to put the final polish on. The nationals are not natural competitions, but we've beaten these guys before," he said.