I’m Competing for a *Second* Bodybuilding Title at Age 63 — Here’s How

At 63, I’m standing at the precipice of an extraordinary challenge: competing for my second Ms. Olympia title. My first win came at 55, a milestone that not only celebrated physical triumph but marked a profound mental and emotional transformation. Now, I’m returning to the stage, not just to compete but to continue a journey that has reshaped every aspect of my life — and to inspire millions of women around the world to redefine what’s possible for themselves.

But why do it again? Why go through the intensity of competition? The answer lies far beyond the pursuit of a title; it’s rooted in the belief that when I’m FIT, I’m living at my highest potential — mentally, physically, and emotionally. The process of preparing for Ms. Olympia is about far more than muscle — it’s about unlocking the power of the mind, overcoming every “no,” and living with unshakable purpose.

Overcoming “no”

My journey hasn’t been easy. From the beginning, I faced barriers that seemed impossible to break through — what I call the “brick ceiling.” Early in my career in Silicon Valley, I was told “no” so many times it became a familiar refrain. As a woman navigating corporate America, I encountered a relentless struggle that led to cycles of self-doubt and depression. But every “no” became an opportunity to push harder, to redefine success on my terms.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that “no” doesn’t mean “never.” It simply means “not yet.” Each rejection fueled my tenacity, pushing me forward until I shattered the limitations placed on me by others and, most importantly, by myself. And I see that in action in my fitness training: Every time I hit a wall, I know I can get through it. The more I train, the more I practice dismantling those walls — or brick ceilings. 

This is the message I want to pass on to women everywhere: The barriers we face are real, but they are not permanent. We have the power to break through them if we refuse to accept “no” as the final answer.

Connecting physical strength and mental fitness

My journey to becoming Ms. Olympia has never just been about physical fitness. Before this chapter of my life, I struggled with inconsistency when it came to my health — fad diets, quick fixes, and mental highs and lows. It wasn’t until I discovered what I eventually coined my FIT methodology that my transformation truly began.

The FIT — Faith, Intuition, and Tenacity — methodology became the foundation not only for sculpting my physique but for transforming my mind and my life.

• Faith: This is about having a clear vision. For me, faith means knowing my “why” — the deep, intrinsic reason that drives me. Competing for Ms. Olympia isn’t just about the title; it’s about inspiring millions to live their best lives. My “why” keeps me grounded, even on the hardest days.
• Intuition: This is my internal compass. In both fitness and life, intuition helps me listen to my body, trust my instincts, and make decisions aligned with my purpose. Whether it’s pushing through an intense workout or navigating challenges in life, my intuition guides me to the right choices.
• Tenacity: The engine that drives me forward. Training for Ms. Olympia demands a level of grit that transcends the physical. It’s about pushing past self-doubt, overcoming mental hurdles, and redefining success on my terms. Tenacity gets me through the long hours, the tough workouts, and the moments when quitting seems easier than continuing.

While building this method, I’ve realized that true fitness goes beyond the body. And in practice, it allows for a shift in mindset that enables us to overcome the obstacles that once seemed insurmountable.

But you can only go so far alone; alongside the FIT methodology, my journey has been supported by the C4 Matrix — a framework I’ve developed to create meaningful and dynamic communication, connection, collaboration, and community. 

• Communication: Speaking your truth and sharing your vision with those who can support you.
• Connection: Building genuine relationships with people who are aligned with your goals.
• Collaboration: Working together with others to create mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Community: Creating a network of support that pushes you toward your goals, both in fitness and in life.
• When all of these “C’s” are mastered, a 5th, hidden “C” comes into view: Sustainable CHANGE.

This journey is not just about me — it’s about building a community of individuals ready to break through their own barriers. By training again and sharing the process with the world, I hope to reach 50 million people worldwide, proving that it’s never too late to start living the life you deserve.

Pushing past your barriers

To every woman reading this, I want you to know you are capable of more than you realize. Whether you’re facing rejection, battling self-doubt, or struggling to find your path, you have the power to transform your life. I’ve been there. I’ve heard “no” more times than I can count. But each “no” became the fuel for my transformation.

I’m not just competing for a title — I’m inviting you to join me on this journey. Whether you’re striving to improve your physical health, advance in your career, or overcome personal challenges, you can break through. You have everything you need within you.

Let’s redefine what success looks like for women everywhere. Let’s show the world that we won’t accept “no” as the final answer. And that doesn’t mean I expect every one of you to sign up to compete alongside me (I’d love the company, but not the competition!) — getting to Ms. Olympia is not something that happened overnight. For you, this change can be prioritizing movement after years of settling for stagnancy, overhauling your fridge, or turning on some of my workout videos — even just to watch and learn. 

Ready to take the next step? Keep an eye out for my exclusive workouts for Katie Couric Media, and consider joining my upcoming FIT retreat in Punta Cana, where we’ll have a transformative experience filled with mental and physical fitness, community, and personal growth.