Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Bikini Competitor: Kathryn (Katie) Elkins
Category you co
mpete in: Bikini
Date of birth: 8/18/1989
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
Career: Student
What is your favorite childhood memory?
When I was 7 years old, I was the only female on my wrestling team. My very first match, I beat a 9-year-old boy! Walking off the mat, he yanked my ponytail and called me “Barbie”. I giggled! :)
Name a song that motivates you.
Electric Feel-MGMT really puts me in an energetic mood. It reminds me of my first couple years in college when I went to Auburn University (War Eagle!) Good times!
What is your biggest gym pet peeve?
People that are way TOO into themselves. In this sport, I know we all love our bods and love seeing our progress, but please keep shirts ON and/or DOWN while in the gym. Thanks!
How do you like to reward yourself?
I can lie and say I indulge in a brownie or buy a necklace, but let’s be honest here. I have a major shopping AND sweets problem. So when I feel I should be rewarded, I buy tons of clothes and/or eat tons of sweets! I think I would probably get docked points at my next show if I shared what my roommate and I could put down in one cheat meal!
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
How close minded people are! Especially with social media being so prominent in this industry, it really amazes me how negative and hateful people are. The computer screen gives people this boost of confidence to state whatever is on their mind. I am all for expressing your opinion and beliefs, but I think we should all promote what we love instead of dis on what we hate!
What do you do right before you step onstage?
I talk! In Chicago, I almost missed my line-up, because I was busy chatting away with other girls. I am a naturally shy person, but when I have my game face on and it is show time I feel like I can reveal this entirely new person! I have always admired people who can just talk to anyone, so I really try and be that person backstage. It helps me ease any nerves I may have and I also want to make friends! The fitness industry is a place where I want my future to be, so I believe networking now will be beneficial to my career in the future.
Nook, Book or Kindle?
I don’t know what a Nook is and I don’t own a kindle, so I am just going to go with book! I don’t have much time to read these days since I balance school, work and gym, but I have read a couple good ones. My dad has always preached that fictio
nal books are a waste of time so I grew up with mostly self-improvement books on my shelf. How to Win Friends and Influence People is a great book for anyone!
Competition history:
June 2011: Mile High Natural Denver, CO: 1st/Overall
June 2012: Junior Nationals Chicago, IL 3rd place
July 2012: USA Nationals Las Vegas, NV 16th place
Next competition:
I just found out today that I made the final 6 at the FLEX Bikini Model Search! So, I will be stepping on the Olympia stage come end of September and then will be in Atlanta for Nationals in November!
If someone followed you for the day what would they be most surprised about?
How boring my life is! I take all of these cool pictures and post them to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, but half my life is spent in the classroom, gym, home, bed and kitchen!
What is your preferred tanning product and why?
LSR (Liquid Sun Rayz) is amazing! I first came to them at Jr. Nationals after breaking out in this horrible allergic reaction just one week before stage. They knew exactly what to do and how to take care of me so that my tan would look flawless on stage-and it did! I have such sensitive skin so Marilyn & Libby know how to take care of me every time I see them before a show. They call me their “fragile package”! Not to mention, these ladies know how to party with us post-show!
Favorite Quote:
“Be a first-rate version of yourself, not a second-rat
e version of somebody else.”
Who would you like to thank?
Oh man, there are so many! Most importantly, my parents. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today. They have allowed me to spread my spontaneous wings and venture into wherever my heart has lead me. They are the most giving and loving parents one could ever have! My boyfriend, Ryan would have to be next on the list for putting up with me, my crazy ideas and tendencies and taking on the role of Pilot whenever I say “Let’s do this!”. My friends are also very close to my heart. I have learned through competing, who my true friends are. The ones that send me encouraging texts, give me hugs when I am at a breaking point or just being there whenever: Jill, Perri, Sandi, Caila, Nastasia, Morgan, Ray and (Blaine, who passed away last September)-you all have been my biggest supporters!
When it comes to my fitness journey, I have to acknowledge every single person that has played the role of another stepping stone to getting to where I am now. Just to name the big mile-markers: Noora Kuusivuori for inspiring me to compete. Hollis Dean for teaching me competition 101 and prepping me for my very first show. My coaches, Cam and Tracy Bodner for taking me to the National level and helping me to be the best person I can be as a competitor, friend, girlfriend, etc! Brett Seeley for teaching me how to be somewhat of a graceful model and inspiring me to go after my dreams. Laura Richards with Suit Yourself for making my beautiful suits on stage. And lastly, my team TOTAL PACKAGE for being so inspiring, motivating, supportive and fun every weekend at posing!
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