2022 NPC Northwest Championships Natural Bikini Championships - Stormie Starren (Auburn, WA - November 4, 2021) Our coverage of competitions extends beyond the stage, whether here or on social media, and The NPC Northwest Championships was perfectly setup for that. Being almost winter, a fantastic gym location Fitness Quest Auburn, thanks for their superb hospitality! With only a hint on social media of Stormie's progress entering her first show combined with a VERY photogenic look, we knew she could be something special in this sport. Sweeping through the Natural show taking Open Overall, she had her sights set on the next day Open event. And while she was runner-up for THAT Overall title to absolutely "dialed in" Samantha Bartley (see that coverage plus next page), Stormie definitely turned heads, impressing the crowd and the judges, their feedback from both shows being super encouraging in her path forward towards the IFBB Pro level...only a matter of time till she gets there! At only 23 years old with such a solid physique, an amazing future in this sport...sponsors, etc. take note! We ended the weekend with a decidedly 'glammy' gym shoot reinforcing just how built for the sport she truly is, a few samples added to this feature. The 'next page' link has a few photos from the second show's Finals/Overall round. I started this journey for 2 reasons. It’s in my blood… my dad’s an ex bodybuilder, my mom an ex power lifter, my older brother, an athlete and bodybuilder himself. I grew up wrestling. I wrestled for 4 years placing in State and Nationals. Among other sports, I’ve competed in gymnastics, track & field, basketball and MMA. All my life, I’ve always been driven to compete to the best of my ability but I’ve never pushed myself and body to hit a “look” oriented goal. I wanted to know my body’s capabilities and my mental capabilities when it came to literally reshaping who I was. This has shed a whole new light on being a different kind of athlete and dedication to a different type of performance. The 2nd reason was all about the drive, the goal … physical and mental. This journey has not only reshaped my body but my mental state too. It’s shown me that I can accomplish anything I put my heart and soul into. I’m beyond grateful for the influences in my life and the support group I have behind me. None of this would be possible without the right people behind me every step of the way! My biggest take away(s) in life are to treat everyone the way you want to be treated…. & find those who love and support you and your goals. Those are the best advocates to surround yourself with. Although, I have only been on this journey a short time, a 5 month journey that leaves plenty more room for growth, this is only the beginning and Nationals is right around the corner!! I believe this is just the start for me. Now, I am more excited than ever to continue improving and pushing myself to continue to put my best foot forward and know I gave each aspect of competing 110%, leaving nothing on the table… I gave it everything I’ve had. I can’t wait to continue to learn and improve everyday, on my journey to become the best version of myself! I would like to give a shout-out to those who’ve helped me succeed and be the best athlete and person I can be through this journey so far. My family has been my #1 support group from day 1 and I wouldn’t be where I am ,or the person I am today, without them. My boyfriend is the sole reason I have pushed through every day… including the days that were immensely difficult and I didn’t know if I could push any harder, he was a constant encouragement and perfect partner. My Team: Team Elite Physique… where it all started when I decided to join their program! My coach: Anya Nicholson who is the person who convinced me to compete in the first place. And last but most definitely not least, my posing coach Mark Sindayen, who took awkward uncoordinated me and got me up on stage perfecting the presentation of all the hard work and brought everything together! Stormie Starren - Open Bikini Overall Champion Next Page - 'Open' Show Finals Return