Ra's New York Pro Debut!

She went, She saw and She almost conquered the Big Apple! But we reckon Ra Pakau's 2nd place at her first Pro show is a pretty awesome achievement for a Kiwi!  Ra has had great run of contest results in the past couple of months and competing in New York has capped off what will be a memorable year for her.  Ra was in a tough line up of 10 heavily muscled girls but with plenty of muscle herself, Ra put her all into it - and bravely in a white bikini at that!  Here Ra gives us an insight into her contest day.

Where to start - I'm sitting here with a view of the George Washington Harbour bridge, the busiest in the world, and the Hudson river on a beautiful, sunny New York day.  I want to cry, so am a little.  This has been such a hard year, so many emotions, so much sacrifice, dedication and just pure hard work.  All of us that choose this sport know what is required to compete at the level I have just experience.  To those that have preceded me - I ADMIRE YOU ALL!

WNBF coming to New Zealand October 2009 The only Federation in the World where every athlete is tested - Do you dare to do it Naturally? WNBF Roadshows to inform you of the sections, criteria, banned substances and all you need to know beginning in March 2009. Check out www.wnbf.net.nz to ensure you're not taking an off the shelf product that is BANNED (such as Hot Rox) Contact Ra Paku, WNBF NZ Promoter.She will answer your queries when she returns from representing NZ at the WNBF World Pro competition.

The goal was top 3 - I placed 2nd and deserved second.  Throughout my life I have been the type of individual that always has to do something, sometimes more than once, to learn the lesson that I should and this was just another lesson. I have so much more to improve on and need a little more time to do it.

No one knew who was going to take it out.  We knew the top 3 and we all had our strengths and weaknesses. 
Katy Holmes is just amazing.  Beautiful muscle, excellent conditioning, the best on stage I would have to say.
Cheryl Myers, the reigning Heavyweight championing, had all over muscle condition and balance
And little ole Ra from New Zealand with the big arms had muscle balance and symmetry. 

The pre-judging was the hardest ever.  I mean ever!  If it hadn't been for the strong American voice in the crowd who was coaching me I wouldn't have been able to hold it together as well as I did.  I need to find that person somehow and thank him. 

My routine rocked!  I had and extra 30 seconds to fill the 90 sec allowance so combined my two NZ routines.  I received alot of comments from the athletes back stage and unbeknown to me at the time, the routine is judged and influences your final score.

I know what I have to do to improve my physique.  I am my own worst critic that is constantly looking to always improve.  Not only in my sport of choice but in life.  I am a WNBF Pro, committed to the WNBF for the next 2 years.  I will return to the WNBF Pro stage in 2009 with a thicker back, tighter condition and a new goal.  I will aim to be the 2009 WNBF Womens Pro Bodybuilding Overall champion.

To all those athletes wanting that little something more, those wanting to compete with the confidence that all is being done to provide a fair and natural stage, to those wanting to compare themselves against the best in the World - the WNBF is here.  The first WNBF show will be held in New Zealand in October.  Prepare now, watch for a roadshow in your area and contact me if you need any further information and/or advice. With the WNBF the Pros are up first and out first - EXCELLENT.  We were all finished before 12.  We had to be back for finals at 5pm so hung out at a local Star Bucks and met a great comedian named Jobi Saad, an ex-bodybuilder.  The opening ceremony involved all the Pro athletes and was a great way to start the show.  A 'Mission Impossible' theme set with the Pro Exercise Figure girls lined up rear stage in their evening gowns with mascarade masks and the two men bodybuilding champions playing spies.  The two female champions joined them for some poses and then the rest of the Pros filed on.  The crowd enjoy it, especially when the big boys did their thing.  There was media coverage which I got an interview with.  Check out channellivetv.com and select the 'Fit and Sexy' link.  I'm trying to check it out now but it's a slow connection.

Last but not least my thank yous:  Tony, my financee' - you guys can only imagine what he/we have been through over the last 6 mths My children, whanau and closest friends - I love you and thank you for all your support Julie Buck: support of course and the great bikinis You all:  the great athletes I have met, the partners of athletes, gofigure visitors, Australian and now World connections, facebook networks, work mates, strangers in crowds! ... The list goes on.  I hear you, I see you and I thank you. Discount Nutrition:  Wendy and the team for the great products.  Visit www.discountnutrition.co.nz to place your next online order. And Miss Lisa Menzies, who continuously keeps us informed of what our New Zealand athletes, at all levels, are up to and regardless of their code.  Train hard, eat clean and be strong Ra WNBF Pro

WNBF coming to New Zealand October 2009 The only Federation in the World where every athlete is tested - Do you dare to do it Naturally? WNBF Roadshows to inform you of the sections, criteria, banned substances and all you need to know beginning in March 2009. Check out www.wnbf.net.nz to ensure you're not taking an off the shelf product that is BANNED (such as Hot Rox) Contact Ra Paku, WNBF NZ Promoter She will answer your queries when she returns from representing NZ at the WNBF World Pro competition.