After only one year of competition, bodybuilder Rhiannon Keith has picked up gold medal in the first ever Arnold Classic held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre last month.
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Attended by Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, the multi sports event and expo showcased activities ranging from golf and yoga to a range of martial arts and bodybuilding pursuits.
Rhiannon, 22, took out first place in her weight division of the Federation of Bodybuilders and Fitness Arnold Classic women’s figure novice category.
“It was my first time competing in this category and I was awarded first place,” she said.
“It was the most amazing moment of my life.
“I did my first competition last year and this was only my fourth time competing.”
Rhiannon said the competition was “the most prestigious event in Australia so far”.
To qualify, she had to compete the week before in the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) Australasian competition held in Sydney the week before where she placed second.
“The week in between the shows I upped my cardio and my condition came in a lot harder when I hit the stage in Melbourne - perfect timing really,” she said.
A former Ulladulla resident, Rhiannon now lives, attends university and works in Sydney where she trains under the wing of two-time Mr Olympia Paul Haslam.
“Our next mission is to take on the Amateur Ms Olympia Series held in November in the Gold Coast, where if lucky enough I will get the opportunity to be eligible for a pro card and will travel to the US to continue my journey and love of bodybuilding,” she said.
“This will be one huge opportunity for me.”
Rhiannon has recently completed a four-year Bachelor of Exercise Physiology at the University of NSW and works as personal trainer and competition coach.
“Recently I have joined Bootcamps Australia Team and am the affiliate for the Sutherland Shire region conducting bootcamps.
“I work for the Australian Sports Nutrition Company in Drummoyne and recently got my Densitometry licence in Melbourne and will begin work in Sydney as a DXA scan operator.
“Meanwhile I will keep on top of my own training as I have been asked to join a one week camp held in Thailand in July where I will learn from and train with from the international pros.”
Rhiannon said the trip would cost her $3000 and she is seeking sponsorship from any local businesses.
