MOUNT Cotton resident Katelyn Seary may now spend her days helping students and attending local Toastmasters meetings, but just a few years ago she was standing on international stages representing Australia — and winning.
Between 2016 and 2018, Seary built an extraordinary competitive record in female bodybuilding and sports modelling, ultimately achieving the rare trifecta of Galaxy, Universe and World titles in the World Fitness Federation.
Now settled in the Redlands with her husband after relocating from Sydney two years ago, she reflects on a journey that began not with a trophy — but with her clients.
“The clients were the whole reason I got into competing. I wanted to understand what their challenges were,” she said.
“And so putting myself to the absolute extreme and saying, ‘Oh my gosh, this is my goal. I’m going to do it.’ It’s not just for me. I was doing it for them.”
Her competitive rise began in 2016 with a dominant season.
At the INBA North Coast Classic, she claimed first place in First Timers, Novice, 30+ and Overall Fitness Model divisions.
At INBA Sydney Super Bodies she again secured first place in the 30+ division, first in Open and Overall.
She also won first place in the Fitness Model division at the NABBA/WFF Night of Champions.
Later that year she placed fifth at INBA Nationals in both the 30+ Fitness Model division and the Pro Card Fitness Model category.
In 2017 she stepped onto the international stage and continued her winning streak.
She secured first place as Ms Universe Pro Sports Model in Rio, first as Ms Galaxy Super Model in Sydney, and first at the Kahma Classic 30+ Sports Model winning her Pro Card.
She also placed third in the professional line-up at the Kahma Classic Pro Sports event in Melbourne.
By 2018, Seary had reached the pinnacle of her sport.
She won first place as Ms Australia Pro Sports Model in Melbourne before claiming first place as Ms World Pro Sports Model in the United States.
Winning the World Title on US soil while representing Australia remains one of her most emotional achievements.
“Winning that on US soil as an Australian, was phenomenal. I still get teary eyed thinking about it,” she said.
Behind the titles, she is quick to acknowledge the role of her coach, Steve Baudo, who she credits with helping her stay disciplined and accountable throughout the intense preparation phases.
“Steve kept me accountable every single step of the way,” she said.
“Coaches often don’t get recognised, but they’re the ones who see everything — the hard days, the doubts, the setbacks.
“I wouldn’t have achieved what I did without his guidance and support.”
Despite the glamour of international titles, Seary is candid about the reality behind elite female bodybuilding.
“The biggest misconception I would love to clear up is it looks beautiful; it looks stunning,” she said.
“It looks like the epitome of health. However, it is the exact opposite.
“There is nothing healthy about the person standing on stage from a cellular level.”
She explains that achieving stage-ready body fat levels places significant stress on the body, disrupting hormones and impacting mental health.
“Peak condition — you’re lucky if you can hold that for six hours,” she said.
Throughout her career, Seary competed as a natural athlete, even in federations where performance-enhancing drugs were permitted.
“I only have one body to live in. You’ve got to take care of it,” she said.
“If I’m trying to be a good role model to my clients, why would I cheat and do a shortcut?”
Her preparation was meticulous.
Meals were weighed to the gram.
Training was structured and consistent.
Even hospitalisation with gallstones during a world title preparation did not derail her focus.
“I said I’m going to win this competition in six months. Surgery is not possible,” she said.
That same determination underpins her life in the Redlands today.
Originally from the east coast of the United States, Seary first came to Australia at 25 on a backpacking holiday and fell in love with the country.
After navigating years of visa challenges and completing a Master’s degree to secure residency, she has now lived in Australia for more than 16 years.
“We just bought a property in Mount Cotton. So we’re now first year homeowners, which is very exciting,” she said.
The couple chose the Redlands for its lifestyle and balance.
“My husband said Victoria Point, the Redlands area — gorgeous. Just gorgeous,” she said.
“Stunning, calm, relaxing. Has everything without the big city feel.”
Today, Seary works as an enrolments officer at The Industry School, supporting Years 10 to 12 students as they explore career pathways across a range of industries.
She is also active in the local Toastmasters club, where she values the strong sense of community.
“The best part of the club is the people,” she said.
“It’s the camaraderie. It’s the support, it’s the community they build.”
For Redlands women considering stepping onto the bodybuilding stage for the first time, her advice is clear and grounded in experience.
“First bit of advice, get a really good coach who understands hormonal balance and understands what it’s going to be like the whole step of the journey,” she said.
“You may have the best body, the best bikini, the best hair, makeup, tan — but if you do not know how to showcase yourself with confidence on stage and do your posing and quarter turns, you’re not getting a look in.”
For Seary, success was never solely about trophies.
“My two words were always love and light. When you look at me as a judge, you’re going to see love and light,” she said.
“These were words inspired by mom (Mar Bartlett).”
