I'm SPONSORED!!!

I’m a SPONSORED ATHLETE!

Wow! I wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to say those words. In my experience the majority of sponsored athletes (at least in the bodybuilding world) are at the Pro level of competition. I’ve watched many of my friends earn their pro-status over the last three years and quickly thereafter secure a sponsor. I didn’t make it to that level in 2011 and when I stepped away from the stage I didn’t think the chance for a sponsor would ever be a reality.

My very dear friend, and WNBF Figure Pro, Courtney McDonald is a three time sponsored athlete (Athletic Xtreme, Swole’s Gym & No Surrender). She has been in the pages of magazines, on radio and television programs and recently taken part in a very special ad campaign. In my mind those are the people that get sponsorship opportunities, not the new mom who hasn’t stepped on stage in three years.

So when I got the email late last night with the words “We would be interested in having you on the team” I practically fell over! I had, on a whim, applied for sponsorship with Athletic Xtreme, honestly never expecting anything to come of it. I told them my story, how I’ve always been athletic but could never find my niche. But then I was introduced to bodybuilding and everything changed. I got pregnant, continued to live a healthy lifestyle and am now ready to reclaim the body I once had… something about all that connected with them. Maybe it’s because my “journey” is going to be different than any other athlete they currently sponsor, or maybe I just have a really good way with words … who knows? Either way, they chose me! And I couldn’t be happier!

When I told my husband that I was sponsored his first question was “What does that mean?” … after we talked about it a bit, he was just as excited as I am, if not more so. He knows how much the bodybuilding world has changed me in so many ways and how much I long to get back on stage. But he also knows that right now Lucas is #1, that I’m not quite ready to commit to what an “on season” entails. He knows I’m happy where I am and how I’m progressing. I know with his support no matter what choice I make will be the right one.

I have no doubt that AX would like to see me step back on stage at some point in the near future, but I also know from what Courtney has told me, they support their athletes in all their endeavors. They have Cross-Fitters, members of our Armed Forces, Spartans, Powerlifters – you name, AX sponsors athletes across a broad range of industries.

I’m so excited to have this opportunity to promote Athletic Xtreme as I embark on a different sort of journey than many of my teammates, and I’m thrilled that they have chosen me to be a part of their family!!

I’m just a mom who wants to be as healthy and happy for my son as I possibly can. If I can live my dream of being in the fitness industry at the same time then I’m even more blessed than I already was.

Thank you to Athletic Xtreme, Brandon, Zach and the rest of the AX family for welcoming me with open arms! I promise you won’t be disappointed!!