Although relatively new to competitive bodybuilding, Powell River’s Dina Windsor is already making a name for herself. She recently returned from the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Arnold Classic having placed second in her category. Named for actor, politician and former professional bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, the annual event attracts top athletes from around the world to Columbus, Ohio.
“Just the fact of getting to that stage was enough for me,” said Windsor. “I couldn’t believe I was going to the Arnold Classic. That’s as big as amateur bodybuilding gets.”
After 20 years working in the health and fitness industry, Windsor entered her first event in 2016. Last summer she participated in three bodybuilding contests in four weeks.
“I did very well and qualified for some really big shows down in the [United States],” she added. “But I had decided to take a break.”
A family crisis changed her perspective.
“I went through a major medical trauma with one of my parents and it made me think, 'life’s really short,'” she said. “What if I never get this opportunity again?”
The next several months were spent caregiving for her parents who were out of province at the time. In late February she and her husband travelled to Ohio, where Windsor joined athletes in a category up to a decade younger than she has in the past.
“I’m usually a grand master 45 and over, but there wasn’t an over-45 category so I competed in masters 35 and over.”
Learning she had placed second in this group was surreal, she said.
“It’s funny because even though it was the most prestigious event I’ve been to I was the most relaxed and had the most fun because I was just happy to be there,” she added.
Still riding high on her accomplishment she is finally ready for a break.
“I’m taking a year and a half off from competing,” said Windsor. “I’m still training hard but taking care of my health and focusing on some other areas in life as well.”
She credits the support of her husband, family and coaches for getting her to this level in the sport. The stress and emotion of her parent’s illness and injury reinforced how vital it is to take chances and live with intention.
“Life is short. We have no idea what’s happening tomorrow,” she said. “If I can inspire a few people to try something new, work harder and just do stuff, that’s far bigger for me than the trophy I came home with.”
