by Bernie English
LIMERICK mother-of-two and nightshift carer Sophia McNamara is giving the world a run for its money as she forges ahead in the European and international body-building stakes.
The 40 year-old Corbally woman has won the Miss Ireland body-building championships many times and is now ranked highly in the running for the current Miss Universe.
“I have been interested in fitness from a very young age”, the bodybuilding queen told the Limerick Post.
“I was always interested in my health and fitness. The gym and working out felt like home. Over the last few year in Ireland, interest the health and fitness has gone from strength to strength which is a fantastic sign,” said Sophia.
When she began competing at national level in 2009, there were at most four or five women on stage.
“After ten Irish National Championships and nine wins, I have inspired many women all over the country and this is what I love to do – help others. I have a huge following on social media where I get many message on fitness workouts and nutrition diets,” she explained.
Sophia says she has not compromised her femininity because of her passion.
“I believe as a lady you train and compete and you don’t have lose your femininity to present yourself on a bodybuilding stage. I have inspired men also which is wonderful. They put their trust in me and my advice.
“However, being a single mother and working a lot of long night shifts, it’s difficult”.
But the Corbally mother says her “large following inspires me to keep going and also makes me a stronger person”.
Now ranked highly in the World and the Miss Universe championships, Sophia says the “biggest pleasure I get is competing in Limerick, my home town. Nothing feels better than that.
“It’s a difficult sport, some would even say the toughest sport in the world but it has many different levels. I’m blessed with my followers and fans. I felt like giving up many times but the support they give me keeps me going even through the bad times and for that, I’m very grateful.
“Last but not least, I am very grateful to have my amazing son and my beautiful daughter. They help and inspire me so much. I also want to thank all my close friends; other family members including my sister, mum and dad.
