How do you feel before a competition?

When I make a decision to do something in my life, I generally put 100% into completing the task. I believe that if you are able to harness control of your mind, then the body will co-operate. Then, all that is required is to ensure that you always tell your mind constructive things based on optimism, self belief and intuition.

When I step out on stage, I know that I have put in the work to the best of my ability. My body is ready and now is the time to show the physical results of my mental focus and discipline.

How do you motivate yourself?

Motivation to be active stems from my background. As a kid I loved any kind of sport, especially Kushin ryu (karate) martial art. Kushin ryu helped to build in me a strong belief in the importance of sport not only for an athlete but people in general.

Finding motivation to continue with this sport is easy for me as I value very much the benefits of being healthy. I love the feeling after working out. I feel fresh. Nothing is missing when I have trained. My day is totally complete.

Generally – what are you thinking on stage during competition?

At first I am a bit nervous as I have no idea who else is competing. When I look at myself in the mirror back stage I say to myself “I’ve done my best. This is time to show everyone my hard work and discipline”.

As I enter the stage I don’t really take note of the other body builders beside me. Eight weeks of preparation can be wasted if you are not entirely focused on your ‘performance’ during competition. From the moment I step onto the stage I consider everything I must do to ensure my body looks the best it can for the judges. My contest preparation involves hours in front of a mirror examining my shape and definition. I know what the judges are looking for and I focus on showing those elements to the best of my ability.

How do you cool down after a competition?

Competing internationally allows me the opportunity to visit amazing countries and experience other cultures very different to Bali. I usually travel to various places of interest within the ‘host country’ before heading home.

I continue to eat clean even after competition although I have been known to treat myself to sorbet ice-cream now and again. For me, body building is a lifestyle choice. It’s something that I receive immense benefit from in mind, body and spirit.

Competing for me is more about offering the opportunity for people to see the effects of healthy living and the value I place on caring for myself. It is really a statement of who I am as a person and demonstrates my appreciation of who I am.

Being Balinese, my spiritual background is a fundamental part of my character and is the force behind my attitude to life. How you react to a situation stems from how greatly you value yourself and how much you appreciate life and all it offers. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. We all have the power within to be champions, be it in sport, artistic expression, business etc. The key is to recognize your own strengths and then have the courage to challenge yourself.

How do you feel now that you are a Natural Olympia Pro Champion?

Happy and excited although for me, the positive traits associated with competing in this sport and its long term goals and benefits are more rewarding than the competition itself.

It is nice to have the knowledge that I have been the best at something and helps to awaken a deep self-confidence. The journey I have been through to become a world champion has helped me to evolve having faced so many things; people’s attitudes, disappointments but these are all part of the process to grow into a greater person.

Spiritual grounding throughout my life has helped me to become a champion. I have been successful because I am serious in what I am doing and focused on what I am doing and believe there is a hope that I can be anyone I want to in this life.