Jumping for Joy with Amy Haddad
In today's society there are so ma
ny individuals that have gone above and beyond in the fitness industry, especially female competitors. Amy Haddad is a female competitor that has inspired many women. How did she do it? Where did her athletic strive begin? Where is she taking her competitive career now?
In her recent interview with Elliot Harris, she shared with us her love and passion for fitness. Haddad's journey began in high school when she started competing in gymnastics. In college she decided to do seasonal sports to include diving, basketball, volleyball, and track.
Her desire was to become an elite athlete leading her to the status of being an IFFB pro, and now a Master track competitor.
One thing that stands out to me the most about Haddad is that she always invested her time and energy in athletics she enjoyed. This is what led her to being a successful athlete. She enjoyed each transition period: from a young gymnast to now a "master" in track and field.
Haddad joined the ranks as a Fitness competitor back in the 90's. One of the amazing factors about Haddad is that she did her first Fitness show 9 months after she gave birth to her son! Talk about dedication and determination! What was more amazing is that she won.
She evolved from an amateur competitor to competing in the Olympia and Arnold Classic, winning on a national level. On an average, Haddad placed in the top five in each show she competed in.
What made her switch gears from being an avid bodybuilding competitor to competing in track? It just stopped being fun for her and it was time to switch as her life changed. Although she has traded her high heels for a pair of running shoes, her training, dieting, and dedication has not changed. As with any competitor, she faces physical, mental and training challenges.
She recently competed in the 2013 USA Masters Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Olathe, Kansas. Haddad’s goal was to defend her two-time gold medal in the high jump in the 45-49 age groups, the triple jump (two-time silver medalist) and the long jump (silver and bronze).
How did she do? 
High Jump: placed first with a personal-best of 1.47m (All American Standard 1.22m).
Triple Jump: placed second with a personal-best of 9.91m (All American Standard 7.49m).
Long Jump: placed third with a personal-best of 4.72m (All American Standard 3.81m).
Haddad competed for the first time in the javelin toss where she finished second in her age group with a throw of 95.45 feet.
Her goal is to compete in the XX World Masters Athletics Championship in Brazil next month. Her mission is to place in the top 5 in the world.
Steve Wennerstrom stated, "As a former women's track coach at UCLA, it's been exciting for me to watch Amy carry her long amateur and pro Fitness career into the USATF Masters Track & Field program. Her solid base of athleticism will enable her to compete for as many years as she chooses. She's already achieved All-American status in three events (high jump, long jump and triple jump), and I can't help but guess that she's getting tremendous fulfillment with her current achievements. Monica Brant has also recently entered the world of Masters track & field with major success. Others from Fitness, Bodybuilding, Physique and Figure will no doubt follow, especially considering how many were former track athletes to begin with."
As many of us can see, our role models in the IFFB are switching gears in their athletic ability. We can jump for joy to see these role models setting new goals and taking on new adventures within the track and field industry. Many of our fitness icons such as Haddad, Erin Stern, Monica Brant, Corey Iverson, Alicia Harris are paving their way to go above and beyond, setting new records of achievement while competing in track.
So whether it is reaching for a pro card in Figure or Bikini, or placing in the top rankings for track; whatever the goal is, if it is in the heart, the desire is there to aspire to great accomplishments. I believe that it goes back to what we most value as being fun and enjoy. Haddad made a fabulous point... “When it is no longer fun, it is time to change. Go with what the heart desires. When the love, determination and goals are there, you will achieve them.”
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