Created: Aug 11, 2026 02:59 AM (Updated: Aug 11, 2026 03:20 AM)
Danielle Foote, second from right, was crowned Overall Figure champion at last month’s NPC Southern States Championships in Boca Raton, Florida (Photograph supplied)
Danielle Foote moved a step closer to securing her IFBB Pro Card at the Vancouver Pro/Am in Canada last month.
The 27-year-old bodybuilder won her class and placed second overall to earn the right to compete for an IFBB Pro Card at future qualifiers — much to her delight.
“I was honestly overwhelmed with emotion and coming from a small island like Bermuda, winning abroad feels like winning gold because the standard of competition is incredibly high,” Foote told The Royal Gazette.
“Hearing my name called as the overall winner was validation that all of the sacrifices, discipline and hard work had paid off
“Winning my class brought me one step closer to earning my IFBB Pro Card. Although I didn’t secure my pro card, I left feeling like I had exceeded my own expectations and proved to myself that I can compete at a very high level against some of the best athletes.
Danielle Foote won class honours and was second overall at last month’s Vancouver Pro/Am in Vancouver, Canada (Photograph supplied)
“Bodybuilding is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports. Months of preparation go into just a few minutes on stage and there are no guarantees.
“To not only be competitive but to stand out among such a large and talented field of athletes was incredibly rewarding. Every season teaches me something new, but this year I surpassed the expectations I had set for myself and gained even more confidence in my abilities.”
The Elite Gym athlete’s career soared to greater heights last month after she also captured the Overall Figure title at the NPC Southern States Championships in Boca Raton, Florida.
“I’ve been fortunate to win several class titles and overall championships throughout my bodybuilding career, but these achievements rank at the very top,” Foote said.
Danielle Foote proudly displays the trophy she earned at last month’s NPC Southern States Championships in Boca Raton, Florida (Photograph supplied)
“This season wasn’t just about collecting trophies, it was about presenting a physique that I was genuinely proud of. For the first time, I stepped on stage without doubting my potential. That level of confidence and satisfaction with my progress made these accomplishments even more meaningful.
“Winning my class in Vancouver earned me the opportunity to compete for my IFBB Pro Card, making it one of the biggest milestones of my competitive career.
“I’ve been competing in bodybuilding for approximately four to five years. Throughout that time, I’ve continued to develop both physically and mentally, with each season helping me become a better athlete.
“These were actually my sixth and seventh bodybuilding shows over the past four years. Before this season, the last time I competed was in 2024, so stepping back on stage this year after taking time to improve my physique made these competitions even more meaningful.”
Danielle Foote came up just shy of securing a IFBB Pro Card at last month’s Vancouver Pro/Am in Vancouver, Canada (Photograph supplied)
Foote attributes her success to good mental health and her support system.
“This year I was in one of the best places mentally that I’ve been in for a long time, and that made a tremendous difference throughout my preparation,” she said.
“Bodybuilding is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Having my family support me every step of the way also kept me motivated and grounded, especially during the more difficult moments of prep.”
Foote said earning an IFBB Pro Card has always been her ultimate goal and over the years she has learnt that everyone’s journey towards achieving the status is different.
“Some athletes earn their Pro Card quickly, while for others it takes more time and experience. I’ve had to remind myself not to compare my timeline to anyone else’s and instead focus on becoming a better athlete with every season,” she added.
Danielle Foote poses with her medal at last month’s NPC Southern States Championships in Boca Raton, Florida (Photograph supplied)
“Every competition has helped me grow, and I truly believe that when the time is right, all of the hard work and patience will pay off.
“I’ve competed in several Pro Qualifiers over the years and each one has taught me something valuable — not just about bodybuilding, but about myself. Every experience has helped me identify areas where I can improve, both physically and mentally.
“I can honestly say that 2026 was my strongest season to date. I brought my best physique to the stage and was able to stand confidently against some of the best competitors.
“Although I narrowly missed earning my Pro Card, I genuinely felt that I put up a strong fight against the eventual winner. Instead of being discouraged, that experience has motivated me even more because it showed me that I’m getting closer to achieving my goal.”
