\n Tracy Hogg has been competing in the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation\u2019s (BNBF) masters figure category for five years.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n The 49-year-old\u00a0took up the sport as a way of overcoming low mood and other symptoms associated with perimenopause.\n<\/p>\n
\n She says she soon discovered a raft of other physical and well-being benefits, including improved self-confidence, focus, and the promotion of an all-round healthy lifestyle. \u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n Last year, Tracy was placed third in the British Championships, but on Saturday, September 28, the NHS physiotherapist made it to the number one slot.\n<\/p>\n
\n It means the mum-of-two has now qualified for the World Championship, which begins on Sunday, October 20, in Munich.\n<\/p>\n
\n Asked how it felt to be crowned British Champion, she said: \u201cAbsolutely amazing.\n<\/p>\n
\n \n \u201cI\u2019m absolutely over the moon.\n<\/p>\n \n \u201cI was invited to compete in the World Championships last year, after I was place third in Britain, but it was in Sydney, Australia. Without sponsorship, it was just going to be so expensive.\n<\/p>\n \n \u201cThis year, the Worlds are\u00a0in Germany, which is much more accessible. It will be the first one I\u2019ve competed in.\n<\/p>\n \n \n \u201cWinning does make the season that little bit longer though. At the moment, I\u2019m around five per cent body fat, and I\u2019ll have to maintain that until after the next competition.\n<\/p>\n \n \u201cIf I hadn\u2019t won, I\u2019d be bulking already. Now I\u2019ve got a few more weeks without cake.\u201d\n<\/p>\n \n \n Tracy, who is still self-funding despite being a World Championship contender, is on the lookout for sponsorship from local businesses who can offer financial support or services.\n<\/p>\n \n She added: \u201cIt just cost so much to be properly competitive. It\u2019s not just the competition entry fees, flights, taxis, hotels.\n<\/p>\n \n \u201cIt\u2019s also things like tanning, make-up, hair, nails, bikinis, shoes, protein, supplements, gym fees. The list is endless.\n<\/p>\n \n \u201cI can advertise for sponsors through social media, and wear branded kit for training.\n<\/p>\n \n \u201cI also post workouts every single day on Insta and\u00a0Tiktok<\/a>, so I have a lot of reach.\n<\/p>\n \n \u201cI promote as much as possible.\u201d \u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\nTracy Hogg (right) and her daughter and number-one supporter, Charly Logan (Image: Tracy Hogg)<\/em><\/span> \u201cI\u2019ve been competing for five years now, and every year I\u2019ve got better, but you still never think you\u2019ll ever get to number one.\n<\/p>\n
Tracy has to maintain her less than five per cent body fat until after the World Championships on October 30 (Image: Tracy Hogg)<\/em><\/span> \u201cI\u2019m used to competing solo, but for this next one, I\u2019ll be part of the British team. That\u2019s going to be a nice change. It\u2019s lovely to feel a part of something.\n<\/p>\n
Tracy (centre) with coach and partner, Nigel Collyer (left) and daughter, Charly Logan (Image: Tracy Hogg)<\/em><\/span>\n<\/p>\n