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178th Airman's road to NPC Bodybuilding National Championships

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber Mullen
  • 178th Wing

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio— A crisp, clear voice echoes throughout the auditorium. “Contestant number 133, please take the stage.” The audience goes quiet and the warmth of the bright, radiating stage lights encompass the competitors. This is the moment they have worked hard for; it is their moment to shine. It’s go time.
This scene of a bodybuilding competition may be intimidating for some, but for Senior Airman Amanda Wilson, a religious affairs assistant assigned to the Ohio National Guard’s 178th Wing, it is exhilarating.
“Being on stage is comparable to how special you feel on your wedding day,” said Wilson. “You feel like your best self and you’ve worked so hard for the figure that you get to showcase on stage.”
On September 28, 2019 after a 17-week training preparation, Wilson returned to the bodybuilding stage at the 2019 NPC Ohio State Championships in Columbus, Ohio to compete in the Figure Class.
Wilson’s 17-week training program consisted of two training sessions a day that incorporated cardio and weight training. Her meal plans were strict and her training became more intense as the show neared.
“It was a really hard prep but it was all worth it,” said Wilson.
Through her hard work and dedication, Wilson walked away from the show with a first place win in her class and a ticket to the National Championships.
“Qualifying for Nationals means a lot to me,” said Wilson. “This year, it means something different because I feel like I’m ready. I feel like I have a pro-mindset. I feel like I’ve built the muscle I’ve needed to build to actually compete at a National level and be competitive.”
Throughout Wilson’s bodybuilding journey, winning at Nationals has been a huge goal for her. To win at the National level would allow Wilson to secure her professional card and become a nationally recognized professional body builder.
“When I started this prep, I knew this year is my year to get my pro card,” said Wilson. “Even if it doesn’t happen, you need to have the mindset that you are going to win.”
Wilson is not a stranger to the Nationals stage. On June 15, 2018, Wilson competed at the NPC Jr. Nationals show in Chicago, Illinois. She placed 11th out of 14 women and was not able to secure her pro-card.
“I was put in my place in a very humbling and necessary way,” said Wilson. “It made me realize what level I wanted to be on.”
After Nationals in 2018, a fire to return to the stage and succeed was lit inside of Wilson. Through her hard work and commitment, Wilson will get the opportunity again on November 23 at the 2019 NPC National Bodybuilding Championships in Miami, Florida. This show will give her the chance to accomplish her goal of becoming a nationally recognized professional body builder.
“It’s a redemption,” said Wilson. “It’s my second go and I’m ready this time. I didn’t know what to expect last time, but now I know and here I come.”
Stay tuned as we follow Wilson on her journey to Nationals and becoming a professional bodybuilder.