http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Susan Nyquist is a powerlifting and bodybuilding champion.
“When I was 19, I could bench press 200 pounds,” Nyquist said.
She believes she was born with a strong body, one that is stronger than an average woman’s. For the past two years, she has taken first place in the Montana NPC Max Muscle Big Sky Championships for bodybuilding.
“The first time I competed I was too thin,” she said.
A bodybuilder is not a model with the goal of “being skinny,” Nyquist said.
She said running has always been her first addiction, but strength training is a close second. She began a serious pursuit of bodybuilding in 1987 as a way to keep busy, right after the youngest of her two daughters was born.
She said her commitment to discovering how strong she can become has helped her overcome her difficult life. Growing up desperate and poor in the Philippines, she admits to marrying her ex-husband as a way out of the country.
“I wanted to change my whole life,” Nyquist said, and with training, “Your body, spirit and mind are as one. It can get you through anything.”
After her divorce, her ex-husband moved her children to Glasgow.
Then she met Craig Foley and fell deeply in love. She said he inspired her to fully appreciate herself and encouraged her to reach for her dreams. Foley died suddenly in January 2009 in a skiing accident at Lost Trail Powder Mountain.
While working nights at Walmart, Nyquist continues to competitively train at Gold’s Gym.
“You have to sacrifice everything you love to do it,” she said.
Nyquist hopes to attract sponsors that will allow her to compete out of state.
“I would love to compete in Las Vegas, but that is simply too expensive for me,” she said.
Jesse Powell can be reached at jpowell@dailychronicle.com or 582-2665.
