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Claire Morris
by gene x hwang - July 2001

Claire Morris photo by Jim Lovette Twenty-six year old Claire Morris currently lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, but two years ago in July of 1999, she made the decision to move from Arkansas to Bloomington, Illinois to live with a friend as it was time for her to make a change. It was a point in her life where it was the right thing to do, and Morris was what some might have called an emotional mess at that time since she had lost her boyfriend, job, and was struggling with passing her boards to become an RN (registered nurse). It almost sounded like the perfect ingredients for a country music song, as she was also looking for some self-worth and happiness.

"In a way, I can say God was telling me I had to move in order to resolve the turmoil I was experiencing in my life. I remember phoning my mother while sitting in a restaurant and telling her 'Mom, I am moving.' Little did I know that when I made that decision to move, my whole life was about to change. Two months later, I passed my RN boards, and I got a job in Bloomington. It was time to move," says Morris.

Not only did making that move help her find her true self, it also helped her make a best friend. That person is someone she trusts, loves, and who has become her biggest inspiration - IFBB Fitness Pro Adela Friedmansky.

Morris moved to Bloomington just before Friedmansky earned her Pro Card in July of 1999. When she came home from California after earning her way into the IFBB, Morris was standing in Gold's Gym watching people congratulate her.

"I remember thinking to myself, 'Wow, how exciting for her, that would be so neat to do!' I remember her then looking over at me and I shyly handed out my 'congratulations.'

Claire Morris photo by Jim Lovette "Two weeks later as I was coming down the stairs from the cardio equipment, Adela approached me. She asked me if I had ever given thought to the idea of competing in Fitness. Having competed in gymnastics for eight years, I told her that it had crossed my mind, but I really didn't know how to even get started in it. From that very moment, she took me by the hand, and has guided me into becoming an amateur fitness competitor," states Morris.

Having a good trainer is an important part to getting ready to compete, and it's usually quite apparent which competitors are on their own at the smaller shows, and which ones have gotten help from trainers.

Friedmansky has filled that role quite well for Morris, as is evident in her quick rise.

"She has taught me about nutrition and the importance of monitoring carbohydrates, protein, fat, and calories to maintain a lean physique. I began to take all of this information and use it toward my goal of one day stepping up on stage to compete in fitness," Morris adds.

Of course focusing on her training and being away from home did take it's toll and Morris began to miss her family back in Arkansas. Of course getting back together with her boyfriend who was also in Arkansas didn't help.

"Although it was a hard decision to make, I decided to leave Bloomington and move back to be with my boyfriend and family. It was a hard decision to make because I had honestly found a true friend in Adela. I have to say I love her! However, even after moving back home, we have always stayed in close contact. We have phone calls everyday and we spend countless hours on the internet chatting. I don't think that it would be possible to break the friendship and trust we have created."

Claire Morris photo by Jim Lovette It has now been two years since that move to Bloomington and Morris has her boyfriend back, a wonderful job as an RN, and is in the best shape of her life.

"I finally made that step up on stage on May 26th (2001) where I placed first in Fitness and first in Figure at the Northwest Arkansas Classic in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I have also since then competed in three other shows (editor's note: the four shows were all within a four week span!), all of which I have placed in the top three in Fitness and top ten in Figure. My goals have been reached at this point in my life and I am the happiest I have ever been. I now hope to take my goals further and also attempt to earn my way into the IFBB as a Pro one day!" Morris adds enthusiastically.

And Morris is quick to add that her continued success is due to her inspiring trainer.

"I owe a debt of appreciation to my friend and my trainer. Adela has truly helped me change my life and helped me take my own potential to its fullest!"

At her most recent show, the Debbie Kruck Classic in West Palm Beach, FL, Morris placed first in fitness (short class) and second in Figure while Friedmansky was the guest poser.

As her favorite quote states:
"Winning is taking the talent or potential you were born with and using it fully toward a goal or purpose that makes you happy." - Denis Waitley

That's something that Morris is already doing, so keep an eye out for her to make an even bigger splash in upcoming shows!


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female muscle, shawna walker, larissa reis, michelle jin, wrestling, tracey toth, kira neuman, female bodybuilding, cindy phillips, britt miller, casey daugherty, lyris capelle, jill brooks, olga guryev, olga guryeva, kristy hawkins, cheryl faust, lindsey cope, lindsay cope, veronica miller