History...

After leaving Elmhurst Ballet School, the dancing profession led me to many places. Specialising in Jazz and combining teaching and performing, I spent years in schools and shows in places as far diverse as Kenya, Iceland, Norway, Italy and Switzerland, whilst also performing as a vocalist in a London-based band.

When you study ballet, your physique is essential. For dancers, the most usual figure control regime involves cigarettes and a fully-fledged eating disorder, but with my love for cream cakes this was never an option. So, I was forced to do it the hard way, with lots and lots of work. The future was looking rosy, until a nasty skiing accident made my leg bend in a way that no other human beings will. Motivation comes and goes with everyone, yet funnily enough, my biggest boost came from this. The challenge of getting myself strong again, gave me an insight into determination, what it's possible to accomplish if you're commited (or have no other choice).

In the Autumn of 1995 I had got myself fit enough to consider competing. I turned up for everything; body building, cross country, cross training and fatefully fitness - all within one month. Finding myself on stage dwarfed by a line of scary muscle-bound women was enough to convince me that the body-building bit was not for me. Anyway, I never was much good at keeping still. Kicking and smiling? Now that's where I've got a talent.

One year on, I won my first National title with the IFSB. This led me to European then World Championships but it was a year again before I braved another Nationals. Here I won the EFBB 1997 British Fitness Championship. This, I wasn't used to. The last time I had a sporting winning streak was in the under seven's egg and spoon race at primary school. However, that year I won my third and fourth National titles: Tropicana Fitness '98 and Miss Galaxy UK.

Success in competitions has allowed me to make my living by writing for fitness publications and endorsing fitness related products. Occassional presenting spots on television channels around Europe are also peppered with gym openings and public appearances; I even do the odd bit of celebrity personal training (but I'm not telling you who!).