NPC ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: Orlandina Balan

I began my fitness journey in the Fall of 2011. It was a time where I underwent a series of stressful situations. It was a time filled with doubts, uncertainties and unknowns.I had two choices: succumb to feelings of defeat or deal and conquer the situation. This was a pivotal moment in my life. Initially, the gym was my retreat, I went there to relieve the stress and became so engrossed in my workouts that I could think of nothing else but the motions involved in each exercise.

After some time the purpose of the gym changed. It became the vehicle which forced me look directly at my circumstances and face them head on. As every muscle fiber became stronger, I became stronger emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Of course there were set backs along the way. I would flounder or lose my focus, cause myself to slow down or stall for a bit, but I never stopped, I never quit.

With the love of my family and the support my friends, my coaches, and my teammates I have been transformed into a stronger, fitter, determined, focused and spiritually fierce woman.

“When I felt secure, I said, ‘I will never be shaken'” – Psalm 30,verse 6