Winning the Fitness America Pageant is something I've often dreamt about during my daily runs, workouts, practice sessions or lying in bed before each show... I thought about what I would say & how I would react . . . the thoughts were so vivid they could bring me to tears! Even so, when my number was announced for top 5 (which is all that really matters~ anything beyond top 5 is a roll of the dice, scores are merely fractions apart) at the 2006 FAP, I was dumbfounded! I showed little emotion outside because inside was a plethora of emotions that I struggled to control~ all I remember is Nikki standing beside me whispering "don't cry yet"!

Being the perpetual competitor that I am, I immediately realized that I wasn't prepared for the spontaneous question, and "spontaneous" is not
something I'm known for! YIKES! Fortunately, my question was ideal for me! "What would you tell a new competitor who is disappointed in her placing?" WELL... allow me to say now, that throughout my 10 years of experience I've had my own share of disappointments, including this year's FUP, yet I've never regretted my participation in any show . . . ever. I've always treasured each experience for what it is. The highs have been exceptional and the lows have kept me humble! Simply being around so many fit, health-conscious, driven women is an inspiration...their stories, obstacles, victories... are all things I revel in! These women are partially responsible for my success... I appreciate them and the entire FAP family for being so good to me!

Before 2006 FAP I assumed that my miserable placing at FUP and the fact that I turned 40 the following month were indicating that I should probably hang up my dance sneakers and walker and start working behind the scenes with Cathy! Which is fine! I've enjoyed a successful & rewarding career...BUT still I felt the need to finish out the year! So I went through the motions and traveled cross country with absolutely no
expectations this time. The difference being that this year I arrived armed with a TEAM of helpers, suit designer Berns (Passion Fruit Designs), make-up artist, Paula (aka Lil' P) and my all-knowing coach/advisor/friend Cathy Savage and of course my Savage sisters! I guess the combination worked because out of 30 talented women with the strongest routines I have ever witnessed ~ I placed first overall!

My goal as the crowning Fitness America Champion is to be an ambassador for the organization and help spread the word about what it is we do so that future FAP champions won't have to answer questions such as "What is a fitness show?" or "What does a fitness competitor do" but only bask in the glory!

Thanks to my husband for picking up the slack when I'm in training, my son whose known nothing else, my teammates for each & every kind word during those times that I was plagued with self-doubt, and Cathy Savage without whom this victory would not have happened! WE DID IT!

Sincerely,

Dawn

You can contact me here.