Fitness Competitor Dawn Butterfield

Dawn Butterfield

Dawn Butterfield I started competing in fitness after being convinced by my trainer at the time (Jeff Andrade) that it would be a great venue for me. That was in 1996. I never intended to take it this far or compete for this many years but as many competitors do I got hooked!

Originally, I competed in all the different organizations and found that each one was looking for something very different. Since Fitness America was the epitome of fitness competitions, initially I purposely avoided them.

After watching the FAP nationals on ESPN for a couple of years I realized that unlike the other organizations, this organization wasn't looking for one particular look - you simply had to have a nice balance of talent, physical fitness and beauty.

I entered the Fitness Atlantic Pageant and won 2 years in a row! Finally, after a few years of fretting that I was not tall enough, or blond enough or young enough... I found a place where I could be me and still be competitive! Whenever I hear a fellow competitor say ..."I just don't know what they are looking for.." I have to agree and say .."that means we all have a chance at the crown!"

I will continue to compete for the sport of it for as long as I physically can and still enjoy it. This is not a job for me it is simply another hobby. The benefits being that I have learned how to lose with grace and be a great competitor but humble at the same time.

Also, at the age of 36 I am in the best shape of my life! I no longer think I can conquer the world but I am very pleased with what I have accomplished so far! I hope I can continue to do at least as well as I have in the past!

Dawn Butterfield