2009 NPC Empire Classic
Lauri Faraschuk - Figure - Medium Class
Taking a season off to have a baby (excuses, excuses), local favorite Lauri Faraschuk
combined good muscle size and shape to take the overall title. In her own words,
"I have always enjoyed athletic competition. I started playing soccer when
I was 5 years old. Then I added in cross country and softball. Throughout high school
I continued to play sports with my main focus being soccer. My freshman year was when
I began to lift weights, it was very basic and I was clueless. My senior year I actually
broke the record for bench press for the girls, 150lbs! I am sure it has been beaten
many times since. In 2006 I attended my first bodybuilding competition, the Empire Classic.
I had a mutual friend who was competing in the figure division. Seeing her and all the other
competitors up on that stage showing how hard they worked, I was inspired. I started training
very shortly after and my first show was the Evergreen Championships in Wenatchee Washington.
I placed 3rd but it was a small show and I still had so much to learn. One month later we drove
to southern Oregon and I entered in the Seven Feathers competition. I place 4th out of eight
girls. Next spring I competed in a few more shows, Vancouver Naturals 5th, Empire Classic 3rd,
Oregon Iron man 5th. I became pregnant that fall so I obviously took a break but I was counting
down the months till I could begin my training. My son Tristan was born on July 29th 2008, my
training and dieting began December 1st, 2008 for the upcoming spring season. I had done a
few small shows and wanted to get my feet wet and try some larger ones. So I applied to the
Arnold Classic. I qualified and my application was accepted. So I trained and made preparations
to travel to Columbus Ohio. There were 25 girls in my class, they were from all over the world!
I made it to the finals and ended up taking 8th. I was ecstatic, my goal was top ten.
The Arnold Classic was an amazing show! I would recommend it to anyone that is serious about competing
and likes a challenge. I then entered in the Empire Classic in hopes to place better then 3rd as
I did the last time I was up on that stage. I ended up wining my class and winning overall! I was more
then happy with all my hard work. Even at the shows that I don't place top three, I still have
a great time and truly enjoy the sport.
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