Kimberly Becker
by Gene X Hwang - November 2003
Since
figure is a young sport, discussions about what judges are looking for
and how the sport will affect fitness and bodybuilding often obscure the
fact that it has opened up the competitive physique world to more athletes--some
very impressive, unafraid to lift heavy and push their physiques.
One such
athlete is Kimberly Ann Gatterer Becker.
"I'm
very proud to have the opportunity to compete in figure. It is evolving
just as bodybuilding and fitness did, which is good for me because I am
and always will remain on the muscular side.
"I didn't
get this way by accident - I train hard... and heavy. I'm not one of the
girls who gains muscle just by walking in the gym. I have to work hard,
stay focused and eat! Figure gives me the opportunity to present
my physique at its best," she adds.
Anyone who
saw Becker compete this year probably noticed her impressive muscularity,
excellent conditioning and striking All-American good looks. The 5'6"
tall 26-year-old was originally inspired by one of bodybuilding's great
champions, Kim Chizevsky, so it's no wonder that she loves the muscle.
Becker weighs in at 127 for contests and is around 140 during the off-season.
"I always
had an admiration of muscular physiques. I wanted to look like Zap from
American Gladiators. I lifted weights in high school, but didn't figure
out until a few years later how much knowledge it takes to build a bodybuilder's
physique. I remember seeing a picture of Kim Chizevsky in Muscle and Fitness
demonstrating lat pulldowns. It was the first time I had a feeling of
desire - the feeling you get when you're lifting ,knowing you are pushing
towards a goal. I wanted a back just like that! After that I started training
with my best friend Aaron Mattingly, who also owned the gym at the time,
which gave me the opportunity to read and learn while being in that environment.
That was over five years ago, and I'm still learning everyday."
That
learning curve is usually pretty steep, but Becker is obviously a quick
study. She has zipped into the pro ranks already, and should make an impact
at that level as well.
That is not
too surprising, when you find out that her favorite place in the world
is the gym. "I put my heart and soul into every workout. I train
because I love it. I love to lift heavy, I love the feeling of getting
to failure, and most of all I love the feeling of accomplishment every
time I leave the gym. Knowing I just put everything I could into it is
what motivates me to go back tomorrow. But yes, I'm human, and while they're
few, there have been days when I just haven't felt like it, and that's
when a good training partner comes in - thanks, Aaron!"
For Aaron, it can't be too hard to be motivated to train with such a beautiful
athlete who is dedicated to and focused on her training.
A lot of
that drive is mirrored in Becker's mother, whom she considers to be her
best friend.
"I'm
where I'm at today because of her and my dad. The best part about winning
my pro card in New York was that she got to share my dream with me - that
is priceless," she adds with a smile.
Her
mother was also on hand for our initial photoshoot. Usually mothers are
very protective of their daughters (as they should be), but there was
a surprise in store when she mentioned that she wanted to see Kimberly
in Playboy.
"Now,
the Playboy thing has always been a joke between us. I think they should
definitely portray more muscular women in the magazine, and I would love
to do some sexy lingerie shoots with some magazines, but Playboy is not
in my future plans. I'm still getting used to being in a bikini on stage!"
Hard to believe,
based on a quick look at her impressive pro-level physique. But sometimes
she gets varied responses from people. In the Midwest where she resides,
female figure and fitness athletes as well as bodybuilders are uncommon.
"Most
people will stare or whisper as if you didn't know they were talking about
you. Some have gone as far as to call me a freak. If they would consider
my physique freakish, then what would they call the women bodybuilders
I admire so much? I say thank you, smile, and walk away with my head up
high." A quite appropriate and graceful response. Hopefully some
of that will rub off on them, gaining more respect for Becker, as well
as the sport as a whole.
"I have received numerous emails from some of the wonderful girls
I competed with, congratulating me and telling me that they loved my physique
at the Juniors. All the attention and feedback I got there, plus the fact
that I placed so well, was unexpected. I originally wasn't going to do
Figure Nationals, since it was my first year competing. I needed to see
how I would compare to the other girls in my class at Jrs. I even postponed
my surgery until after figure Nationals, which was not easy--training
and competing with my pectoral muscles detached. It definitely paid off.
I still get chills thinking back to the shows.
Outside
of training and the gym, Becker is a huge fan of Bruce Lee and his films.
"I had the biggest crush on him growing up and I still watch all
his movies," she says with a grin.
On the future, Becker says that she one day dreams to be a role model,
but based on what she's already accomplished, it seems safe to say that
she is already one. She also wants to help kids and those less fortunate
to obtain their dreams. "Everyone dreams. It's just knowing how to
reach for them that makes the difference," she adds.
If the sport
of figure needs good role models, then Kimberly Becker certainly fits
the bill.
Posted:
Nov. 24, 2003 @ 10:01 p.m. PT
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