Anthony Pasquale and LaDawn McDay are the June Athletes of the Month in Men’s and Women’s Bodybuilding, presented by Gaspari Nutrition.
Pasquale, a former Cryptologist in the Air Force from 2001-2005, recently won the Heavyweight and Overall titles at the Junior Nationals. McDay, an elementary school teacher from Michigan who began competing in 2004, won the Heavyweight and Overall titles and the Junior Nationals.
MEN’S BODYBUILDING: ANTHONY PASQUALE
Accomplishment: Junior Nationals 1st Heavyweight and Overall
Age 28
Height 5’8
Residence Worcester, MA
Contest Weight 225
Contest History/Highlights 2012: USA Championships 2nd Heavyweight; Jr. Nationals 1st Heavyweight and Overall; 2011: Steve Stone NY Metropolitans 1st Heavyweight; 2009: Garden State Championships 1st Light Heavyweight and Overall; 2006: Atlantic City Championships 2nd Light Heavyweight
(Go here to see more photos of Anthony Pasquale)
SACRIFICE “Growing up in an old-fashioned Italian family I learned from my father at an early age “If you do something, do it right the first time or inevitably you are going to end up having to do it all over again.” So, any instances where I was caught cutting corners he would force me to undo everything I had done, and start all over. I was brought up with the mindset anything in life worth having requires sacrifice and its imperative to never quit.”
DISCIPLINE “The discipline and work ethic values I utilize today were solidified during my 4 years of full-time active duty service in the Armed Forces from 2001 through 2005. I was working Christmas and New Years Eve in Operation Centers hundreds of miles from home. Nailing a green sleeping bag to a wall and stapling Christmas lights to it is an experience I will never forget, certainly puts things like the challenges associated with competition in perspective.”
ROLE MODEL “The physique that most inspired me to start competing was Mark Dugdale. I was really drawn to Mark because at that time he was the most comparable athlete to my goals. I liked his symmetry, conditioning and how he conducted himself as a person. I always bought his dvds the day they came out and still watch them all when I’m dieting for a show. I even use a lot of his recipes in my off season diet. On numerous occasions I wrote him emails with questions, and I am grateful to this day for him always replying.”
POTENTIAL “It’s common to hear someone has “potential” and “genetics” but bodybuilding isn’t about what you can be, its about what you are. Bodybuilding is an outward testimony of the strength of your mind. Your ability to stick to goals, suffer through discomfort and find the inner drive to achieve the type of conditioning few can tolerate. I love that bodybuilding is true in that sense, the results do the talking for you.”
