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Wellingtonian Ra Paka has had an exhausting 3 weeks of competitions but with that has come great rewards. Since winning the Overall Physique at the NABBA Wellington and NZFBB North Island Champs, Ra has gone on to beat the Australians at the WNBF Champs (World Natural Bodybuilding Champs) and took out their overall title too! |  |
| But that's not all! Ra also competed in her 4th show, at the NZFBB Nationals in Wellington on 18 October where she won the o55kg Open Physique class. A Wonder Woman feat indeed. If that isn't exhausting enough, Ra still has her big mission to complete when she goes to New York in a few weeks time. So how is she coping with all these competitions and why did she compete in the WNBF? |
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| The day of the WNBF Champs for me was hard. I was so exhausted after the show. 3 weeks of putting my body through depletions and loads - am I a sucker for punishment or what? The day started with making sure my music would work after the malfunction at the NABBA show, registration and polygraph questionnaire, urine test (my very first). The test was that intense it picked up a panadol that Julie Buck had taken 2 weeks beforehand - wicked (Yes, Julie Buck came too). |  |
| The show was split in two days, me on the first, Julie on the second. I was on later in the day and once it started, there wasn't much wait time - which suited me fine. There were 11 physique girls in total. They don't like too many on stage at once so split us up by both weight and height. Thorough judging rounds, a little different from ours. Symmetry is combined with your compulsory's, then you go straight off, back for your routine, pose down and awards. |
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| After all the physique girls were done it was overalls. I'm never confident and you'll see from one of the photo's that I was just hoping they'd call my name. And they did. I got some great feedback from some great Australians who are gunning for me to win the Worlds - I love Australia! | |
| As mentioned, Julie Buck competed as well. We wanted to see where us NZ girls would stand up next to some of the other WNBF classes and Julie was a great choice. Julie entered 2 different classes. The WNBF do things a little differently. Julie entered: Ms FitBody - similar to our figure. Figure - similar to our shape but with a dress round and a fantastic model walk with symmetry round Julie entered Open and Master sections for Ms FitBody. She received a 2nd for Masters, a one point difference with 1st place (photos attached), and 3rd in Open and Figure. She enjoyed competing for the WNBF and is amped to compete at our show next year. Julie would have done well in the physique lightweight class - hindsight is a great thing. The WNBF also have a Best Body Swimsuit section.    |
| About the WNBF So, the WNBF Asia Pacific Championships ... I was suppose to compete for Danny Chau last year but due to my injury couldn't. I found the Federation by chance after being denied by the Australian INBA organizer the chance to compete for the trip at one of the Australian shows so I could defend my Ms Olympia title. Danny offered me a paid trip to the WNBF Worlds, regardless of whether I won the overall or not, and financial support to my supporters. |
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| I found the WNBF not only cared about the athletes but was also the only Federation that was testing ALL athletes. As mentioned, due to my injury I couldn't compete but Tony and I made the trip to Sydney to check out the Federation, meet Danny and discuss promoting the WNBF here in NZ. The WNBF also offers a Pro circuit - one that we, NZ athletes, can attain to. There are monetary prizes. Not the thousands that the IFBB offer but enough to cover your flights, compete and see the US of A. We decided I'd use 2007 to repair and grow, which I did. I hadn't realized how much my injury was hindering my growth - LESSON - Don't ignore your injuries
My goal for 2008 was to go Pro with the WNBF and yippee, we're there.
Our goal for 2009 is to hold the first WNBF competition in New Zealand. So to all those NATURAL athletes out there - prepare! You have until Oct 2009 to shape up for the chance to qualify for the WNBF Asia Pacific champs where you can gain your Pro card and compete as a Pro at the Worlds! Check them out on http://www.wnbf.net.au/ . We are working with Danny to get a NZ page up. Will keep you informed. |
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On to the NZFBB Nationals!
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And finally, the Thank You's!. To all those supporters out there - those that compliment my physique and admire me from afar - thank you!
To Wendy Apapa from Discount Nutrition - thank you for the sponsorship. Please visit discountnutrition.co.nz -a great online service for your next supplement needs. |
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| To my friends and whanau - another year of an non-sociable mother, fiancée, sister, friend and work colleague - I'm sure you're all used to it now. To you Lisa, for providing great support to the sport, athletes and events. Ra Paku |
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