With her sights set on attaining the Ms. Olympia crown and even defending the title, Horn is not the shy woman she might appear to be at first glance at her sparkling eyes. In fact, this rising star has been through a lot of physical challenges, and has come out better and more buff.

It all began in her teens, when she was just 15 years old.

"On my high school gymnastics team, I blew out my knee. I had knee reconstruction and dedicated nine months toward therapy. That is when I began weight training in conjunction with my rehab.

"While I was on my college gymnastics team, weight training was part of the program. My sophmore year, I again unbelieveably blew out my other knee!! I went through rehab again. After my two years of competing gymnastics at Ball State University, I continued working out and did my first bodybuilding show in 1993.

"I placed third in the Ms. BSU Bodybuilding Championships. It was a lot of fun and something different. I competed again in 1995 and took 3rd once again."

Although she started out in bodybuilding, Horn fell in love with fitness and dropped down in size.

"After my college career, I sort of fell into personal training. A few years later, I realized that I could be one of the fitness women in the magazines. I decided to compete and I dropped from a size 10-12 to a 4-6 within four months. I knew I needed to be smaller to compete and accomplished my goal. My training became more intense and once again I began doing gymnastics for my routine."

That was the beginning for Horn, and several athletes inspired her. Most in the sport site other veteran competitors as whom they admire, but Horn, a Chicago resident, also includes one of Chicago's most famous athletes as one of her role models.

"Monica Brant is an inspiration to me because first of all she is such a sweet, down to earth person. Second, she has no gymnastics background and she learned so much so fast. That is not easy. I give her a lot of credit. She hung in there for years and finally won the Olympia.

"Kelly Ryan is also an inspiration because her routines are so awesome. She trains very hard and intense. She flys when she tumbles, so I'm striving to do the same in my routines!

"Michael Jordan is also an inspiration to me. I loved watching him. He played with such fire, enthusiasm, class, athleticism, determination and passion."

And like Jordan, Horn is driven to achieve the highest levels attainable in her sport, and also has similar dedication in her trainig .

"I think my own discipline, accomplishments and results drive me to compete and to be a champion. I love performing and I love competing. This sport is definately tough, mentally and physically. I always try to be the best I can be and truly strive for my high expectations.

"I like challenging myself and working out makes me feel incredible, inside and out. I have to say I don't mind the attention either! Winning a title will only prove my accomplishments and make it easier to reach out to all those interested in fitness. I want to motivate and inspire others to achieve their goals and help them feel as good as I do through fitness. And what titles is she talking about?

"I would definately like to win the Ms. Olympia, after that, repeat another year of winning! I also want to emphasize the importance of fitness and health to everyone through my experiences. The publicity and media will allow me to do that, as well as reach out to all those people interested in healthy lifestyles."

That sort of attitude is exactly what Horn is about, and her selflessness is welcome in a sport that sometimes doesn't give back enough outside the industry.

But looking back into the sport, Horn has some shorter term goals that include becoming the overall National Champion at the USA's in Las Vegas this coming August.

"After that, I'll go right on to some professional competitions, hopefully the Arnold Classic. I also want to be more involved with Muscle & Fitness and M&F Hers being a spokesperson and writing articles. I'll keep training my clients for a while. I also plan to publish my book and hopefully get involved with the media.

Of course most that compete are quite athletic and enjoy other sports as well, and Horn is not different.

"I love dancing, beach volleyball, gymnastics, rollerblading, traveling, modeling, reading, movies and spending time with my family and friends.

"Every year the girls and I go on vacation somewhere tropical with beaches and parties!"

But that's just when she has the time. Even in the offseason she is busy training.

"Right now (about 5 months out from competition) I train a body part a day with weights, 5 days a week. I am also doing a lot of anaerobic (sprinting) several times a week. I am currently choreographing my next routine. Once that is completed in 2 weeks, I'll start dancing the routine.

"Soon I will begin gymnastics in April 3x a week. At the end of a gymnastics practice, I'll do some specific conditioning - handstand push-ups. I'll add some cardio in there occasionally. Therefore, I am working out about two times a day. So even in the off-season, I'm still pretty busy.

"You've got to keep up on everything," she adds.

And keeping up with everything pays off. Although from the outside Horn definitely looks like a well-toned athlete, her looks are deceiving.

"I love being strong!! I don't look as strong as I actually am, which is good. My look is diceiving! I do get a lot of attention and being strong is also so important to the immune system and all the systems of the body. It truly has many benefits!

However, her strength isn't something Horn works on excessively, training for fitness.

"I never really train heavy. We'll test our max on exercises to see how my progress is. For every body part, we choose 3-6 exercises. Each one has a different weight and rep scheme. My max bench press is 155 lbs. My max shoulder press is the stack of 250! I'm not sure how many pull-ups - maybe 12-15.

Definitely not weights to be taken lightly, and the hard work has definitely paid off. Horn works closely with her trainer, Bob Dixon, who has kept her inspired.

"He taught me so much and helped change my body in order for me to compete. He supports me 100% and has been there for me to make my dreams come true. I definately would not be here doing this without his guidance. He's the one who dropped me from a size 12 to a 6, even though I did all the sweat and hard work," she adds with a smile.

Outside the gym, Horn is fortunate to have a great support group.

"My Mom, Dad and brother, Jeff are very proud. They've always been so supportive. My Mom doesn't say too much, but then when I'm not around, she'll show everyone my magazine pictures! My Dad has definately given me the most support. He's really into it. He's very interested, always listening to me, and always there for me.

"My friends think it's very cool. They say I'm their 'famous friend.' My clients and other people at the gym are very nice. They are always interested in knowing what's going on. My clients notice everything... they ask about my weight, about my tan, my nails, what am I eating - everything!"

And what does Horn tell all of these people?

"Live life to the fullest. Be grateful for all that you are and all that you have. I thank God everyday for my body, mind, soul and for all the wonderful people in my life. That is what is most important in life: health, happiness and love!"