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Spotlight On Canadian Bikini Competitor: Grace Bukowsky
Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: March 8th, 1976
Hometown: Vancouver, BC Canada
Career: General Manager - Captain’s Cover Marina/BCABBA Bikini Competitor
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
Rogue….Her superhero power is that she is a type of mutant who can absorb the powers, abilities and psyches of others just through touch and skin contact. She can also absorb all of their memories, knowledge, talents, personality and physical abilities even if they are not superhuman.
Why? I believe being Rogue would enhance the abilities I already possess and in my continuing quest for further knowledge and skills, this would allow me to gain more and share more by inspiring others in touching their lives in a positive way.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
My love for health and fitness started about 3 years ago when I realized I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror. It took some time before I really got into a routine of working out and feeling good about doing it. In August 2011 I became deeply involved in the fitness industry by obtaining help from a personal trainer and losing over 30 pounds with exercise but most of all proper nutrition. It took some convincing but following my transformation I decided to enter my first bikini competition in May 2012. My future goals are to inspire others to transform their well-being and engage those wanting to enter fitness competitions and challenge themselves. As I continue to grow, I wish to learn various aspects related to better overall health and continue to work hard towards obtaining that overall win for my own pro card.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
I start my contest prep 12-16 weeks out and follow carb cycling during my prep with low/no-carbohydrate days and intermittent periods of high or moderate carbohydrate consumption; essentially I cycle my carbs and reduce calorie intake closer to the show to achieve a desired result.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
One of the biggest misconceptions I have come across is that it takes little to no effort to step on stage and that in order to do it you just have to starve yourself for 12 weeks put on a sexy bikini and you’re ready.
To express my opinion on the above statement would take an article of its own.
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
Most embarrassing would have to be in my early teenage years where I was very excited to wear a two piece bathing suit for the first time to a friends & family pool party and not realizing one of my boobies popped out and a BOY family friend pointed it out to me…Oh my…. I still blush when I think back.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
Be open 
minded and willing to except the advice and guidance of others but always stay true to myself and never let another person dictate who you are or need to be to achieve success.
Who do you look up and admire and why?
To be honest I don’t aspire to be like any other person, as I am constantly working to better the person that I already am. However though my journey some of the people that have inspired me along the way have been Tosca Reno and Jamie Eason because they are the ambassadors for the health and fitness industry and a consistent source of positive motivation. On a daily basis people that I admire and who inspire me are my close “Fit Family” friends as they are my true supporters and believers.
Competition history:
Western Canadians-Kelowna B.C. May 19th, 2012- First Show
Placing: 6th Masters Bikini
Northern Classic –Fort St. John B.C. June 9th,20
12
Placing: 8th Open Short Class
Sandra Wickham Fall Classic – New Westminster B.C. November 10th, 2012
Placing 4th Masters Bikini (Provincial Qualifier)
Next competition:
2013 BC Championships- New Westminster B.C. June 28th, 2013 (National Qulifier)
Favorite Motivational Quote:
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
C. S. Lewis
Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: Now.
Denis Waitley
Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.
Bruce Lee
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank my family and friends, clients and circle of supporters as well as my sponsors who believe in me and drive me to reach my best
PureForce Nutrition
www.pureforcenutrition.com
No Limit Muscle
www.nolimitmuscle.ca
Photos by: Noel Daganta
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