WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE: BETTY VASQUEZ
Accomplishment: NPC Junior Nationals 1st Class B
Age 40
Height 5’ 3 ½
Residence Litchfield Park, Arizona
Weight 115-118
Contest History/Highlights 2012: California State Championships 1st and Overall; Jr. Nationals 1st Class B; 2011: Masters Nationals Figure 17th Class C; Nationals 12th Class A; 2010: USA Championships DNP Figure C; Nationals DNP Figure D; 2009: Los Angeles Championships 2nd Figure C, Masters Over 35 Figure 1st Short Class and Overall
CHANGE OF HEART “I never liked exercise growing up. I did anything possible to avoid Physical Education. It was 7 years ago when I went to a gym for the very first time. Now, I am in the gym 7 days a week. Never imagined I would love exercise.”
WORK ETHIC “I come from a large family. My parents instilled in us to work hard and to always do our best and we would reap the rewards. A strong work ethic was important to my parents. I take that to the gym with me and also to the stage. I work hard in the gym – give it my all and enjoy every minute I have on stage.”
KEEPING A PROMISE “Seven years ago while living in Okinawa Japan, I discovered bodybuilding and hired a trainer to get me ready to compete in my first figure competition. My new meal plan excluded caffeine – at the time I was drinking about 1 pot of coffee daily. Long story short, I developed horrific headaches which led to an MRI of the brain. On my 33rd birthday a tumor was found on my cerebellum. Eight months later I was living in Arizona and had my brain tumor, named “Chuy” successfully removed. I made a promise to myself that if I came out of the surgery “okay,” I would finish what I had started. I competed for the first time in 2007 – and won my Pro Card in WPD this year at Jr Nationals in Chicago.”
ROLE MODEL “I first noticed Felicia Romero on the cover of Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine. I really liked her look and wanted to have amazing shoulders like her. It wasn’t until about 2 years into competing that I realized she also lived in Arizona. I had made the decision to “retire” from competing and I wanted to train for my last show with this person I had great admiration for. I will admit…I had her picture on my fridge! “
CHANGE IS GOOD “I love the discipline and structure involved with bodybuilding. Early morning cardio and eating clean makes me happy. Watching my body change as I get ready for a competition is so rewarding. I also enjoy meeting people that share the same passion I do for this amazing sport.”
