Coop's road to the Natural Olympia

As a rookie Professional in the world of Natural Bodybuilding, I never thought I would have the opportunity to raise funds to compete with team USA on the 2 biggest stages in the world; The Natural Universe and the big show, The Natural Olympia. 

When I started competing 5 years ago it was just a fun opportunity that a friend had talked me into. I wasn't passionate about it. In fact, after winning my first 2 shows in the NPC, I remember wondering if it was something I wanted to continue with. I enjoyed the journey, I loved the focus it forced me to have... but the actual competition left me feeling empty, so I took a break. The following year I got the itch to go on that journey again. However, after a bad knee injury, tearing my PCL, I wasn't able to do my cardio or lift heavy enough to prepare for a show. A year later, I blew my knee out AGAIN. This time it was everything else; ACL, MCL and meniscus. The following year, I had to undergo yet another surgery to repay an inguinal hernia the size of a golf ball (TMI?). 

During these very humbling times of rest and recover, I was able to reflect. I realized that I had been doing it all for the wrong reasons. I believe we can learn valuable lessons during hard times and take advantage of opportunities we may have otherwise missed. God gives us these challenges to make us stronger and better prepared for what is to come. So the more I was challenged, the harder I worked. 
I learned so much about myself and my purpose during these 2 years. Most importantly, my amazing wife found her way back into my life and added another level of meaning to who I was and who I wanted to be. 

In an effort not to bore you, I won't go too much further into detail. 

But I learned that I wanted to use my gift of inspiration to help improve the lives of others around me. I became a lot more intentional in my fitness career; with my clients as well as myself. With this, I started to see how much of an impact you can make on people when your intentions are sincere and genuine. I hadn't been fake in the past, but I certainly didn't have a defined purpose. Once I did, nothing could stop me. 

As I became healthy enough to train again, I came back stronger and more determined than ever. However, I was still hesitant about competing. Then I discovered the Natural world of bodybuilding. There were some aspects of the mainstream bodybuilding lifestyle that didn't align with my values. Nothing bad, just not for me. As I learned more about the Natural side of the sport, I became increasingly excited and knew I wanted to give it a shot.
Now, Natural Bodybuilding isn't just a sport that I compete in a few times a year, it’s a lifestyle I support and an organization I feel obligated to raise awareness for. I want other bodybuilders to be aware of the Natural (substance free) option that took me too long to discover. 

Beginning in 2014, I busted my a$$ and worked harder than I ever had. This led me to quick success in my first year competing with the American Natural Bodybuilding Federation. After earning my Pro Card that year, I set a goal to some day compete against the best Natural athletes in the world. I went on to compete with the Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA/PNBA) and qualified for this opportunity by winning the Eastern USA Championships in Atlantic City, NJ earlier this year. 

On September 5th I will compete against some of the best Natural Physique competitors from around the U.S. in Austin TX, and on November 12th we will all represent the U.S. at the Natural Olympia in Las Vegas against 50 other countries. I'm excited to be on stage with the best natural athletes in the world. However, my dream is to bring home the gold for the US and continue inspiring everyone who has supported me on this journey. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my page and for reading this letter. I can't express enough gratitude to all of you for believing in me. The support I've received on this journey has given me the strength and motivation I've needed. You all mean the world to me!

As I grow within this sport, it’s amazing how much more expensive it continues to get. The INBA/PNBA and myself are asking for your support in raising funds for my upcoming competitions. These funds help cover the cost of travel, lodging, food, uniforms, entry fees, drug testing, PNBA membership fees... and we can't forget about the beautiful spray tans. 

Any support you can give is greatly appreciated. If you can not afford a small $$ donation, I would still love to hear from you. Message me with words of encouragement, just a quick hello or any questions you might have.

Thank you again!!!!

Love and Inspiration, 
       Cody
            #Coopfitness

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