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A Jersey bodybuilder has won her class at the first ‘Arnold’ ever to be held in Britain - a prestigious competition and festival founded by the sport’s biggest name.
Personal trainer Hollie McVittie (38) won the women’s physique masters class in Birmingham earlier this month. She went on to compete in the ‘open’ physique class, where she finished third.
Unfortunately, founder Arnold Schwarzenegger himself was unable to attend the festival but fellow Hollywood hard man Slyvester Stallone was there, as was former Mr Olympias Ronnie Coleman and Dorian Yates.
Hollie wasn't the only islander to take part in the star-studded event: brothers Jordan and Kyle Rea, Vanessa Bouhaire and Jess Gomes also competed in various classes.
Pictured: Hollie at the ‘expo’ accompanying the Arnold Festival.
She said: “The stage was the biggest I’ve ever performed on and it was a real honour. We were judged by Steve Weinberger, who is head judge at the Olympia competition in the United States, which is the world’s top bodybuilding competition.
“I never expected to win so I’m beyond delighted; however, what I was particularly proud of was the way I approached the competition - I made some wonderful friends, shared tips and learned a lot from my fellow competitors."
“I savoured every moment, was fully present and was able to fully focus on the competition, and winning!" she added.
Hollie started competing in 2017 and the Arnold Festival was her sixth appearance on stage. She dieted for 20 weeks beforehand to give her muscles the definition that the judges were looking for.
Pictured: It’s was Hollie’s sixth competition and her third in the UK.
Not winning the ‘open’ class meant she did not receive a ‘pro card’ - allowing her to compete as a professional against the world’s top athletes - but that is one of her ambitions.
“I long to win a pro card and represent my sport as a women’s physique athlete at the Olympia in USA, so I will be back next year,” she said.
Hollie runs an online body transformation programme called Joy Training, and recently raised more than £700 with her clients to pay for a ‘jungle gym’ play area for homeless children in South Africa.
Pictured: Hollie won the physique masters class.
“Bodybuilding has taught me the discipline and self confidence that I needed to change my entire life,” she said.
“I know my own power and worth now thanks to this sport - and if anyone wants to learn how to be mentally tough and proud of yourself, then I suggest they grab some weights!”
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