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Published on Tuesday, 11 December 2012 22:31
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Written by Francesca Tumul
Spotlight On IFBB Bikini Pro: Francesca Yumul
Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: 09/24/1981
Hometown: Portland OR
Career: Training & Development Specialist for Comcast
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
Mrs. Incredible, I can relate to her as she’s a dedicated mother and I like her sharp wit and superb espionage skills. It would also be pretty cool to have the ability to reshape and stretch in any way possible; I could see that coming in handy when trying to multitask throughout the day…ya know grab your kids with one arm and fight off evil villains with the other.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
It honestly started because I just wanted to live a healthier lifestyle. I exercised regularly and THOUGHT I had a somewhat healthy diet. Once I began educating myself on the basics of nutrition, I realized I had developed a lot of misconceptions about healthy eating and was eager to make improvements. After dedicating myself to making the changes in my diet and training I began to see results and was even more encouraged to keep challenging myself.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
I’m all about the KISS method “Keep It Simple Stupid”! The less complicated it is, the more likely and easier it is to stick with it. I choose to eat clean and balanced meals as a lifestyle. Off season I indulge in planned cheat meals to help me keep a good balance; it’s ok to be a little naughty here and there.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
A misconception I’ve heard is that competing is ALL about the physical challenges. People will ask me how often I go to the gym or comment that I must work out every day. Yes, working out is a critical factor in prepping for a competition, it’s my personal experience that the toughest challenges have been more with my mental state. Discipline in sticking to a clean diet and skipping on Happy Hour treats or viewing criticism as constructive feedback for opportunities to improve is more challenging than getting into the gym.
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
It was my 6th or 7th birthday; my family had a party at my parents’ house with friends from school. We were playing musical chairs and during the game one of the kids turned the chair around to sit on when the music turned off, that chair happened to be the chair I was going to sit on. I became so upset and threw a tantrum because I wanted to win and that stunt cost me the game. Needless to say I was sent to my room for a time out at my own birthday party. After putting on that show I didn’t really care about the game I was more embarrassed about my behavior however I can definitely say I learned an early life lesson on being a sore loser and playing a game just for the fun of it.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
I am a very goal oriented person, once I set my mind on something I want to accomplish its full steam ahead! It’s not hard for me to push hard or maintain my discipline when I know it’s basically just what needs to be done to get the results I want.
Who do you look up and admire and why?
Jaime Baird, I saw her picture in a fitness magazine and was inspired to learn more about competing. I started reading her articles and appreciate her drive to motivate & help others in reaching fitness and life goals as well.
Competition history:
2nd Bikini Class D 2012 
NPC National Bodybuilding Championships
8th Bikini Class D
2012 USA Bodybuilding Championships
1st Bikini 5’4” – 5’5”
2012 Oregon State Championships
1st & Overall Bikini 5’4” – 5’6”
2012 Oregon Ironman
1st Bikini Class D 5’5” – 5’6”
2012 BSN Emerald Cup
1st Bikini 5’4” - 5’6”
2012 Vancouver Natural Bodybuilding & Tanji Johnson Classic
7th Bikini 5’6” & Under
2011 Seven Feathers Classic
Next competition:
I am looking forward to competing in the 2013 IFBB Musclecontest.com Pro Bikini as my first Pro show.
Favorite Motivational Quote:
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
There are so many it’s hard to pick, I think this one pretty much sums it up. This quote inspires me to keep working towards the goals I have set for myself, because if you really want it, YOU have to do something about it!
Who would you like to thank?
My personal trainer and brother, Nick Clancy, he pushed me in the beginning when I questioned what I set forth to accomplish...my goals were "not crazy" and there was no doubt in your mind that I could do this!
My mom, who supported me in the best way she knew how to, learning how to create suits which is something she had never done before! She continues to support me with each competition making me a new suit for every show.
Bryan Walls who has shown me nothing but love and support from the beginning. He helped me realize the most important thing of all...I can only be "the best ME I can be" and at the end of the day all of my accomplishments this far will remain unchanged!
Derek, Kiana Phi & the Dream Quest Team, they have all inspired me and simply believed in me and that alone is vital to me.
