At 41, Winkler's Kim Derksen is the fittest woman in Canada. She recently competed in the CBBF (Canadian Bodybuilding Federation) National Championship, bouncing back from a tough loss last year to take take the top spot in the Master Class.
"I never thought in a million years I'd reach first place in Canada and I did it," she says. "Nothing is impossible, just keep working towards your goals and dreams... they will come true."
The win provides the opportunity to compete in the IFBB North American Championships in Pittsburgh August 31.
Together with her coach at Freak Fitness out of Winnipeg, Derksen says the game plan is maintaining her physique leading up to the next show.
"I'm just honoured to be able to go," she says. "I think it's going to be an amazing experience... It's just wonderful to be a part of something you enjoy, that everyone has a passion for, that to me is such a gift already."
Derksen began her bodybuilding career in 2015. She soon earned top placements in her first novice competition, which later led to a first place in the master category in Provincials in 2016.
However, during her first attempt at the Canadian nationals in 2016, Derksen says she was devastated to place near the bottom of her category.
While discouraged, she decided to take a year to focus on an off-season training regimen.
"Every time you get hit you have to get up and keep going," she says, adding it's inspiring to see many competitors face defeat and return six, seven times even eight times.
"But they keep coming back, and their day is coming."
Derksen says it's never too late to start bodybuilding, noting the physical, emotional and mental benefits can be translated to any other aspect of life.
"What it comes down to is discipline, your determination and dedication," Derksen says. "And if you can throw all of that into whatever you choose to do, sky's the limit."
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