BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THOUGH not representing St. Kitts and Nevis on the international stage, bodybuilder Carol Hanley still reminisces on what is described as “Two Islands, One Paradise”.
Hanley, who currently lives and trains in Canada, officially represents her adopted homeland but still remembers her roots.
“As a professional athlete, I represent Canada. However, I am a Kittitian. Each and every time I visit St. Kitts and Nevis I am reminded of my roots and where it all started.”
With family members living in Taylor’s and Frigate Bay, the jovial bodybuilder is very proud of her Kittitian roots despite having left her homeland at a very young age.
Hanley is also proud of what was taught to her by family members before leaving for North America in 1973.
The bright-smiling athlete is thankful to her aunt, uncle and grandparents, whom she credited with the discipline that has taken her to the position she has attained.
“They are the four of the most influential people in my life to date. As an avid athlete growing up, competitive bodybuilding and the ability to do the work involved came quite naturally but was not always easy. It takes a lot of hard work, commitment and continued dedication.”
Starting her career in bodybuilding approximately seven years ago, Hanley fought her way through the difficult amateur years and was motivated by her family and friends.
Young at heart, Hanley explained to SKNVibes that it took one year to reach “national status” and then an additional four to gain the “coveted IFBB Pro Card”, which meant that she had attained the status of a professional bodybuilder.
“It’s a pro card that some are very fortunate to get, while others may never obtain. I feel very blessed whenever I see my picture or an article in a sports magazine. I am thrilled to have achieved such a status in professional sports, while never losing sight of the journey to get there.”
The Ontario-based Hanley has often been approach by many of her fans to lend a helping hand to change their lives in relation to fitness and health. To this end, she is of the view that if she changes the life of one person, then she is making a difference and by extension “ that would be a huge personal accomplishment”.
She pointed out that there are no shortcuts or quick fixes, and as such, each person could choose the physique they want to obtain and work towards that goal.
“Each one of us has personal goals that they strive to achieve in life. One of mine was to become a professional athlete in a sport that I am very passionate about. And yes, that sport is competitive bodybuilding. My journey has taught me many things but what stands out the most is that in spite of adversity and often harsh judgement, you must do what is right for you in life. I set small milestone to reach bigger ones and apply those same principles to my business and to my life overall.”
The avid bodybuilder is part of a cadre of professional bodybuilders that the Caribbean region has produced over the years, and she may be one of a handful of females to make it to the top of the sport.
It is believed that Hanley could revolutionize the sport of bodybuilding for both male and female athletes in her small native land of St. Kitts and Nevis.
