FIGURE: VICKI DOWELL
Recent Accomplishment NPC Junior USA Overall and Class B Winner
Age 37
Height 5’2
Weight 114
Residence San Jose, California
Contest History/Highlights 2013: Governor’s Cup 1st Class A, 1st Masters Over 35 Class A; 2012: Nationals 11th; San Francisco Championships 1st Class A, 2nd Masters Over 35 Class A; 2005: San Francisco Championships 1st Class A
DADDY’S GIRL “Growing up I was a tomboy – I swam and played volleyball, baseball and softball. I was an only child, but growing my Dad and my Uncle both played sports. I just kind of traded in my tap shoes for cleats. I was in dance – my Mom tried, but I was like ‘This isn’t for me’. I started in the gym with my Dad when I was 14 years old – he was like, ‘I think it’s time’. It was just a life style for him and it was something I enjoyed too.”
CALL IT A COMEBACK “I competed on the National level a few years back but took some time off when I had my son. But I came back because this is what I wanted to do, go all the way and get my pro card. I set goals for myself and wanted to accomplish them. I knew I wasn’t done. I still want to go to the Olympia, still want to go to the Arnold. Those are just some of the things I’m excited to do.”
DOWN BUT NOT OUT “Placing 11th at Nationals – the national-level is a whole other ballgame. Everyone looks good. What I took from it was, this is a different show, different competitors, different judges on the panel. I have to do what I can do to come back better. I walked away like, ‘Hey, I came and brought my best, now I need to go back and work on a few things and make some tweaks.’ Every show you’re gonna have to come back and bring something better than the last.”
BEST FOOT FORWARD “When I heard I won the Overall I was shocked – what an adrenaline rush! Everyone just looked amazing. But I felt like I had been training hard and that I deserved to be there. I had to remember to have fun on stage and feel comfortable up there. I tried to do the little things – suit, makeup, hair – and listen to what the judges were saying and come back better than ever. It’s nice to see that and be recognized. But I still don’t think it’s hit me yet. It probably will when I step on the pro stage!”
ROLE MODELS “Someone who inspired me and is now a friend of mine is Elaine Goodlad. She’s just beautiful all around. I remember looking at her and being that toned, just having that figure – it was like ‘Wow, she’s beautiful. It’s OK to have muscle’. And she’s so much more than just a pretty face. Sheryln Roy is a really good friend of mine who actually got me started in this and gave me the courage to compete.”
