Scientologist Rebecca Hughs comes second in one of the country’s biggest bodybuilding and fitness competitions.
Kohi teen woos judges

By JENNIFER HOUGH

Rebecca Jade Hughes (15) of Kohimarama was second in one of the country’s biggest bodybuilding and fitness competitions.

In the open category for all ages in Taupo, Rebecca vied with experienced adults, many of them regular competitors.

Her mother Michelle Owen, a personal trainer and former bodybuilder says: “There was a high standard, but Rebecca wooed the judges — they loved her. She was the baby of the competition up against women in their 30s.”
Rebecca Jade Hughs [more photos]
Rebecca, who secured invites to major competitions in Melbourne on October 4 and Auckland on November 19, began training at the gym where her mother works and this aroused her initial interest.

My work did influence her, but she’s a natural and loves its,” Michelle says. “She started aerobics when she was 12 and only took up bodybuilding seriously this year.”


Rebecca trained six days a week for 10 weeks before the competition. “There were so many categories she had to do three days in the gym and the other three practising her bikini pose and speech,” Michelle says.

The lengthy competition was very tiring with aerobic dancing, bodybuilding, bikini symmetry, evening gown and speech spaced over a day and evening.

Rebecca followed a strict diet of good food such as chicken, steak, plenty of vegetables and some dairy products. “It meant no junk food.”

Rebecca misses fast foods and partying with her friends but considers the rewards worthwhile.
Rebecca Jade Hughs [more photos]
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