I ΑΜ Α CHAMPION: Carrie Goforth

IFBB Pro Bikini Fitness model Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Nutrition Consultant Super Mom

Carrie Goforth is not a newbie when it comes to the discipline of being an athlete. Starting gymnastics at just five years of age, she just grew her sporting career from there to earning her IFBB Pro status in the bikini division this year. But it wasn't always easy. Carrie was born with a congenital heart defect and kidney disease and this is a daily battle for her, then add everything else that life has to throw at you. But nothing has stopped her in her pursuit to reach her goals and live a fulfilled life. We know that our HERS readers will be motivated and inspired by Carrie's story.

IN A FEW WORDS COULD YOU PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO OUR READERS?

I come from a mixed-race family. My mother's family is from Warsaw Poland and my father is Native (Taalagi) American Indian. I love my heritage and I'm very proud of my culture, although it hasn't always been easy to be different.

• I am completely satisfied with the uniqueness of my DNA.

• I have been an athlete all my life.

• I train every day and rarely take a rest day.

• I believe in the true meaning of a healthy lifestyle not simply looking the part.

• I was born with a congenital heart defect and kidney disease; my insulin is failing. Everyone faces challenges. I do not feel that I am unique in my difficulties but the truth is that each day is a struggle.

WHAT WAS YOUR DEFINING MOMENT TO MAKE FITNESS PART OF YOUR LIFE?

I have been an athlete all my life. I come from a gymnastics and track background. My father was a sprinter and a light-heavy boxer. It's in the genes. I have been a gymnast since age 5 and began my track career shortly after. I joined a competitive cheer team and competed all over the US in high school. I later cheered for the University of Louisville and won Nationals back-to-back.