The USN Face of Fitness is a life-changing opportunity. The competition’s recent winners have used the platform to advance their careers in the industry and create many new opportunities.
We caught up with a few of our previous cover models to find out how their lives have changed since they won the competition.
Alrieta de Wet
Since her reign as the USN Face of Fitness, Alrieta has used the numerous opportunities this platform provided to further her career as a health and fitness professional. She also remains a USN-sponsored athlete, helping to grow the brand online via her social media channels, and by being a global representative at various events and shows.
How did winning the cover model search change your life?
My life has changed a lot since I won. It opened many doors for me within the fitness industry and helped me network with other businesses.
Why did you enter the USN Face of Fitness?
It looked like a lot of fun. I made the top 32 the year before and really wanted to make it to the finals. It was daunting considering all those other beautiful girls who entered, but I viewed it as a different challenge, as I wanted to do something new having already competed on stage. I also wanted to be seen as more than just a stage competitor.
Tell us what it’s like to be part of Team USN.
It’s the best! It’s such fun to be part of the team. It’s like a family. We do awesome things together and it’s a fun brand to be with. And their products are also amazing. The brand is doing such great things with flavouring!
What lesson did you take from the USN Face of Fitness experience?
Don’t be scared to be yourself, and don’t be scared of chasing your dreams or goals. Even if you don’t make it, chasing your goal will change your life.
Shelby Jessica Neves
Shelby considers the USN Face of Fitness cover model search as her ‘big break’ in the industry. After she appeared on the January 2017 cover of fitness magazine and became a USN-sponsored athlete, Shelby gained the courage and confidence she needed to pursue her passion and build a career in the health and fitness industry.
How did winning the cover model search change your life?
Since winning the title my life has changed for the better. If it wasn’t for the platform the competition creates, I wouldn’t be where I am today. All my success has followed my win and I’m now chasing my passions, which I don’t think I would’ve done without winning the competition.
Why did you enter the USN Face of Fitness?
I really wanted to get involved in the industry and felt this was the ideal opportunity. Even if I didn’t win – and I honestly didn’t think I would – I knew it would help to open other doors and opportunities for me. So I basically entered to put myself out there and take a step towards achieving my goals and dreams.
What did you learn from the Face of Fitness experience?
We were all there for the same reason, which was to compete for the win. But I realised that everyone needs support and that there is no need to be negative to the other contestants as we’re all trying to do our best. I therefore learnt that it’s always important to support your fellow athletes or competitors to inspire and motivate one another.
Tell us what it’s like to be part of Team USN.
To be part of Team USN is one of the greatest honours of my life. I’ve witnessed how much time, work and effort goes into that brand, which makes it more than just a label on a tub of protein for me – it’s a supportive team that feels like a family. Being part of the team has also given me amazing and unforgettable opportunities, like going to BodyPower in 2016.
Talitha Jacobs
Winning the 2017 USN Face of Fitness cover model search competition rekindled Talitha’s passion for health and fitness, and has also provided her with an opportunity to realise her ultimate ambition in life. Through her efforts she hopes to help other women embrace their bodies by promoting the #bodylove movement.
How did your life change after winning the cover model search competition?
My life has changed on all levels. I’ve realised you can follow you dreams, even if you thought you’d left them behind a long time ago, because it has rekindled my passion for health and fitness. It has also offered me many new opportunities to make a difference with the backing you get from USN and Fitness magazine.
Why did you enter the Face of Fitness?
I entered because it has been a dream of mine to be on cover. I entered for the first time as a teenager and have dreamed of winning ever since then.
How does it feel to be part of Team USN?
It is amazing – the team backs you completely to achieve your dreams, which is not the type of support you get from most brands. They really invest in their athletes and work really hard to open up opportunities for you.
Farai Gomwe
Farai Gomwe is the current USN Face of Fitness. As her reign comes to an end, we asked our most recent winner for a few tips to help the new crop the aspiring cover models who plan to enter this year.
What is your advice for some who wants to enter the 2019 USN Face of Fitness?
It’s such an exciting opportunity! Remain true to yourself, know your story, and enjoy and maintain a fitness lifestyle. Regardless of the criteria for entering this year, make sure to present yourself well to stand out. It’s important to understand the USN and Fitness brands from the outset in terms of what they stand for and what they offer from the get go. Make sure you align with these values from day one. Remember, people will be watching you and you never know how much influence you carry in your circle and beyond. Whether you win the competition or not, how you carry yourself is always important.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
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