Last weekend was our first national competition for the year, with a record number of 132 ladies over the age of 43 competing in the individuals. And they were fantastic! What a great advertisement for how to look great and stay fit at any age. One fabulous competitor was 72!

The teams’ events were also held with 28 teams and an amazing standard. Hats off to all the ladies.

Here are the two winners of the Ladies individual sections, who now qualify to contest the title of Ladies Grand Champion at Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday 2nd November 2011 (see Timetable).

The winner of the Ladies 53 and Over section has a story we can all learn from. After an accident in 2008, Julie was told she would never do physie again. But, she says, “If you love something, never give up.” Julie, who became a grandmother for the first time two days before the event said she was “thrilled and honoured” to be a national champion. Asked if she had any advice for girls wanting to succeed she offered this “If you listen to your teacher and work hard you can achieve your goals.”