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 Al-Sabah - I guess the IFBB could advertise the Figure and Fitness disciplines more actively. Everyone knows about bodybuilding, so it is just a matter of making them aware that the other disciplines exist.I have not started doing anything just yet as I have been so busy competing and catching up at work, but I have several ideas. I think that there should be some sort of "giving back to the community" so I'm interested in giving presentations to high and junior high school girls about the importance of eating right and working out. So many teenagers have very skewed body images and I feel that if someone were to take the time to show them what is right, they would be much happier. I know that when I was a teenager, I starved myself and had issues with the way I looked so it would have been extremely beneficial if I had someone teach me the correct way to get into shape. I would also want to focus on the importance of getting an education. So many youngsters get carried away with athletics that they give up on school. I want to show them that it is possible to have a great education and be an athlete at the same time. I am also interested in possibly setting up small clinics at my gym just to introduce people to Figure, and to help out aspiring competitors. Wilkins - As you know, Shawn Ray is actively pursuing the position of IFBB Men's Representative. Do you feel the IFBB pro athletes should form a union or need a Spokesperson to speak on their behalf? Al-Sabah - I believe that each division should have an athlete representative. Shawn Ray is trying to get enough signatures to represent the men, and I think that someone should definitely represent the Figure athletes and voice their concerns. Wilkins - Are you interested in representing the Figure athletes? Al-Sabah - I am just starting my competitive career. I don't think I would want to be the rep while actively competing as people may think it to be a conflict of interest. I would definitely be interested once I retire. Wilkins - Please describe your feelings after winning the 2003 Jan Tana? Al-Sabah - Two words: ecstatic and speechless! It was a dream come true. Wilkins - The Internet now plays a major role in the rapid dissemination of information to the fans. Do you read the various web sites related to the industry to see what the fans have to say? What are some of your favorite sites? Al-Sabah -Yes, I am an active poster on several boards. I love interacting with fans and answering their questions. I participate on: www.getbig.com www.musclemayhem.com www.shawnray.net Wilkins - What are your career aspirations? Al-Sabah - Well, my career is firmly anchored in the corporate world. I have a BS in Electrical Engineering, and MS in Telecommunications and Computers and an MBA. I am currently VP of Information Systems for a mortgage bank, and down the road I would love to be in a CTO or CIO position, but honestly who knows…I might take off and start designing widgets!!! Wilkins - Are you currently under contract as a product endorser and if so, what company? Al-Sabah - I would only consider signing a contract if the terms fit in with my corporate career. Wilkins - What is the strangest thing a fan has ever said to you in person? Al-Sabah - "Do you think you could lift me?" Wilkins - Are you close to any of your fellow competitors? Al-Sabah - I am close to Elaine Goodlad and her husband Terry. They are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Other people I am friendly with include Tammy Leady, Davana Medina and Jenny Lynn...all very wonderful ladies and loads of fun to hang out with. Wilkins - The Figure competition has the potential to be the most highly contested of all the Olympia titles. Figure competitors Jenny Lynn and Davana Medina each have two wins and you also have an overall victory. Add in former Ms. Olympia Fitness, Monica Brant, this will be a real tough line up for the judges. What do you feel separates you from the rest of the pack? Al-Sabah - Oh gees. I would hate to be a judge at the Olympia. I think the line up is very challenging, and each of us looks so different from the other. All the ladies look great…. I am just "me" that is what separates me from the rest. At the end of the day, the package that is most pleasing to the majority of the judges will win. Wilkins - Preparing to compete takes dedication, motivation, and supreme sacrifice. What words of wisdom can you provide to assist a person with their preparation? Al-Sabah - Make sure to enjoy yourself. In this "sport" you are competing against yourself. Where you place does not matter, what matters is knowing you gave it your very best effort. In October, Dina will be one of the favorites to win the first ever Olympia Figure title. "I am honored to be competing in the Figure Olympia," she said. Commenting on Dina is fellow IFBB Figure competitor, Elaine Goodlad, "Dina is a Stallion; her presence on stage with her smooth symmetry and curvy lines is that of a thoroughbred. Style and grace seem to come very easy to her (except when she's stuffing cookies into her face backstage). Aside from the competition, Dina has been a kind, generous and loyal friend." "A year ago I did not know what I was going to be doing competitively, and here I am today fresh off my first pro win at the Jan Tana and about to get ready to step on stage with one of my idols Monica Brant. Dreams do come true," commented Dina. For personal appearances, photo shoots, or product endorsement, please contact Dina at: PMB 316 11140 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852 Website: www.fitdina.com Contest History: 2003 Jan Tana (Pro Figure): Overall 2003 Night of the Champions (Pro Figure): 6th 2003 Pittsburgh Pro Figure: 4th 2002 North East Classic (Figure): Overall 2002 Debbie Kruck Classic (Figure): Overall 2002 Bev Francis Championship (Figure): Overall 2002 Pittsburgh Championship (Figure Tall): 3rd 2001 North East Classic (Figure Tall): 3rd 2001 Jan Tana (Figure Tall): 1st 2001 Monica Brant Fitness Classic Fitness: Overall 2000 BodyRock 2000 Lightweight: 2nd and Best Poser 2000 East Coast Tournament of Champions (Middleweight): 4th _____________________________________________________________________________ Rob Wilkins, originally from Linden, N.J., is a Master Sergeant in the US Air Force stationed at the Pentagon, Washington, DC. Wilkins is also a Special Assistant for the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) and a recipient of the IFBB Gold Medal. To contact Wilkins e-mail him at Robifbb@yahoo.com. | ||||||
| Dina Al-Sabah at Olympia Competition |
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