June 2016 - Shannon
Rabon was one of the fast rising
stars of women's bodybuilding and then she seemed to disappear from the
competitive scene. A lot of people wondered what had happened and
why such a promising physique was not competing to earn her pro card
when they saw greatness in her future.
Of course things happen and life often gets in the way of things and
that's what happened to Shannon to put it mildly.
She's 39 now and will turn 40 on November 21st of this year.
Rabon resides in Columbia, SC with her beautiful daughter who is 10 and
her sister.
"I starting lifting in 1995 when I came to college to avoid the
'Freshman 15'," she says.
Obviously she did way more than that. Any cursory look at her
physique shows a dedicated athlete with gifted genetics and tons of
hard work and hours spent sweating it out in the gym.
"I have always been very athletic and love to do anything in or
outdoors. I love all sports and being with my loved ones. I have
had so many terrible life-changing illnesses and accidents, that I
resigned from bodybuilding in 2004," she says.
The accidents she mentions even include death. Rabon was actually
flatlined at one point and came back - more than once. It's a
testament to her resilience and strength that she's with us still
today, and her physique now is arguably better than during her first
time around on the competitive stage. Muscle memory and maturity
are demonstrated in the thick, dense muscle that adorns her physique as
well as the incredible conditioning she displays year round.
"I absolutely love the way I could see my body actually change
day-to-day now that I am 12 years older," she says.
"My daughter wanted to see me on that stage one more time and I am
finishing my last week of clinicals in massage therapy so I won't be
the South Carolina state show which I won in 2000."
"Within the next year I plan on competing again and trying to obtain my
pro status. I love the feeling that competing makes me have - and
everything to do with it - discipline, cooking, preparation, etc.
"I didn't think that in 12 years I could get up on the stage
again and especially after only 5-6 weeks of dieting. I love the
feeling of knowing that everyday I wake up looking better. I was
amazed At the progress that I achieved!"
Anyone who saw her on stage at the 2016 NPC Jr. USAs would agree.
In fact, it was likely that she didn't place as high because she was
too conditioned and big. Of course that's also because she
competed in physique. Rabon is considering competing back in
bodybuilding in her next competition so keep an eye out for her.
If things go the way she would like, she'll soon be gracing the IFBB
Pro stage and we would not bet against that.
