Eleanor Muscat, 36, recently flew to Los Angeles to represent Great Britain at the prestigious World Natural Bodybuilding Federation’s (WNBF) Worlds 36 event, the biggest stage in natural bodybuilding.
The mum-of-three entered her very first bodybuilding competition earlier this year at the WNBF UK Nationals in London.
She secured an impressive top-three finish, earning a coveted spot on the official WNBF GB team, competing in the Amateur Open Bikini Tall Division at the World Championship Final.
On November 19, Eleanor joined 32 other British athletes flying from Heathrow to Los Angeles for the event.
With more than 60 nations represented, she walked away with second place in the world in her category.
Eleanor said: “The whole experience was such a whirlwind, I feel like I’m only just getting back to normality.
“Going to LA was unbelievable, the ultimate bodybuilder’s dream.”
“I’m back in Bolton now and back to reality.”
Discussing her second-place achievement, Eleanor said: “I feel shocked more than anything. I put my heart and soul into training.”
She made huge sacrifices to secure her top spot, from missing social occasions to taking her meal prep to friends’ weddings.
However, Eleanor said “it’s all been worth it for the achievement”.
Founded in 1989, the WNBF is the leading global organisation for natural bodybuilding, with affiliates in over 60 nations.
Each year, the best athletes from across the globe gather for the World Finals.
As a natural athlete, Eleanor competed without the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) such as anabolic steroids, growth hormones and other synthetic substances.
She said: “There’s a stereotype surrounding bodybuilding that you must be assisted.
“There are limitations, but your body can achieve so much more than you imagine.
“I don’t think there’s enough promotion for natural bodybuilding.
“I’m really proud to be natural, and that’s why I chose to compete with the federation that I did.”
Eleanor trains at David Lloyd and 247 Bolton, but the bodybuilding world is still very new to her.
Wanting to push herself both physically and mentally, she said: “In December last year, I decided to challenge myself.”
Her three children, Imogen, Freddie, and Rory, are incredibly proud of her achievement.
As is Lesley James, Eleanor’s mum, who said: “We are just so happy for Eleanor.
“I watched her compete at 2am from home and it was such a proud-mum moment.
“She’s worked so hard and has done so well.”
With guidance from her coach, Charlie Garforth of Pro Physiques, Eleanor is already planning her next move.
“We have made plans for next year. I’ve got my eyes on a gold medal next time.”
For now, Eleanor will enjoy well-deserved celebrations and a chance to relax with family and friends over the festive period.
Her final message to those inspired by her story is “anyone can do it”.
