Holly Richards is ‘determined’ to finish first next time
An iron-pumping mum is hoping to be crowned Britain’s latest bodybuilding champion – after landing a podium finish at the latest national heats. Holly Richards bagged third place at the NABBA Britain Finals on Saturday, May 31.
The former dancer first began competing back in 2022 after seeking a ‘fresh challenge’ following the birth of her daughter. She earned three separate medals in regional contests around the North West before taking time off stage to focus on her growth.
But now the 34-year-old has returned to the competitive scene – and says she has been left ‘absolutely amazed’ by the results.
Holly, of Park Hall, told StokeonTrentLive: “I entered the NABBA North East contest under the Tone Figure category, but the judge moved me up a category while I was on stage, so I ended up competing in the Athletic category.
“It wasn’t planned at all but I ended up winning the class, which was just amazing. And then I won the Overall Female Figure of the day award as well, which was even more amazing!
“That allowed me to enter the British finals. I was placed into the Athletic category again. I had around three weeks to prepare against everybody else who had won in each region around England. I ended up placing third overall.”
Holly – who owns ABSolute Fitness Gym in Longton with partner Alwyne – has to juggle her demanding workout routine alongside her parental and business responsibilities. But she says she ‘loves’ every minute.
She said: “I’m up at 5am every day just so I can fit more things in. I’m a personal trainer myself, so when clients say to me they don’t have time I always advise them to get up earlier. I do practice what I preach! Getting up early lets me get all my steps in and my first meal before my daughter has even got up for school.
“It’s a big advantage that I’m at a gym every day for my job, it does make things a lot easier. I don’t have to go to work, sort things out at home, then get to the gym later on. But the job is always physically demanding on top of all the training, so it does feel like I never stop sometimes!
“I don’t know how I manage it to be honest. I just get on with it, which is how I’ve always been. If I want to do something, I just make sure I do it properly.”
Holly is now planning to take another 18-month break to perfect her physique so she can finally be crowned Britain’s top bodybuilder.
She added: “I’m just going to be working on all the feedback the judges gave me. I need to get a little bit tighter and more conditioned. The main difference between the Toned Figure and the Athletic categories is the muscle mass, which I had – that’s why they bumped me up. But now it’s just about working on the condition more than anything.”
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