20-year-old IPL Novice Bikini Champion Summer Chandler

“It was phenomenal! I felt very accomplished and proud of myself. But it only made me want to work even harder.”

Interview & Photography by Ben Yosef

IPL Newcomer, Summer Chandler was a stand-out athlete at the October 2023 Sunshine Classic in Destin, Florida. At this contest 20-year-old Summer competed in the Bikini and Athletic divisions and earned 1st place wins in both Novice classes. And came close to snagging herself some Pro Cards in the Open.

"...I wanted a challenge for myself. I wanted to see how far I could push past my limits and achieve goals I wouldn’t ever think I would achieve."

BEN YOSEF: Congratulations on your success at the Sunshine Classic in October! You were definitely a highlight of that show and of that contest weekend! If I’m not mistaken, this was your first time competing, right? Also, what got you interested in hitting the stage?

SUMMER CHANDLER: Yes, The Sunshine Classic was my first show and definitely one I will not forget. I was inspired to step on stage because I wanted a challenge for myself. I wanted to see how far I could push past my limits and achieve goals I wouldn’t ever think I would achieve. Stepping out of my comfort zone and gaining so much self discipline has really changed me and made me a better person today.

BEN: Love that. This is one of my favorite questions for some of our younger athletes. at 20-years-old, how hard is it for you to focus on health, fitness and competition being so young? Often we see younger folks doing other things that may not be productive, like partying, drinking and not really being too serious about anything. How do you find the strength to stay focused?

SUMMER: I’ve never been a partier or drinker myself. I’ve never really found it fun or enjoyable to do alcohol or drugs or anything like that so I’ve never done it. The part that I find challenging is working two full-time jobs, going to the gym, staying on track with my nutrition, and also being a full-time student. There’s never enough time in a day to get everything done. But I try my best.

BEN: That’s very cool and inspirational. Where do you get such a great work ethic from?

"That’s a good question! [laughs] I set big goals for myself and I don’t stop until I achieve them! I’m the type of person to get things done, right here right now."

SUMMER: That’s a good question! [laughs] I set big goals for myself and I don’t stop until I achieve them! I’m the type of person to get things done, right here right now.

BEN: Sweet! [laughs] So of course this is Natural Bikini Magazine, so our focus for this interview will be on your performances in the Bikini division at Destin. But I wanted to ask you something… During our photo shoot the day before I asked you what your favorite division was, after learning that you were entering a couple of divisions. You told me that it was Women’s Athletic. For some reason I was actually surprised at that answer. I thought for sure your favorite division would be Bikini. Why is Women’s Athletic your favorite? What is it about that division?

SUMMER: I love being barefoot! The heels and the sparkly suit are fun, but I want to be on stage barefoot! I love Bikini just as much though. Just the feeling of being able to do both is great and balances it out. Both divisions I equally enjoy.

BEN: Okay, so let’s do a Bikini Breakdown! [laughs] You entered two Bikini classes in Destin. Novice and Open. In Novice you placed 1^st. Basically winning your first class at your first show ever. What was it like hitting the stage for the first time and what was it like taking a victory your first time on stage?

"It was phenomenal! I felt very accomplished and proud of myself. But it only made me want to work even harder."

SUMMER: It was phenomenal! I felt very accomplished and proud of myself. But it only made me want to work even harder. I have so many more goals I want to achieve. So, as soon as I got back to Alaska, I started grinding again, getting ready for April.

BEN: Nice. And I want to ask you about April as well! But first, your second and final Bikini class was the Open. Tougher competition there, but you definitely held your own! In the end you would place 2^nd to Kayla Guzman. Looking over the score cards, you won two of the six categories. The categories you won were Posing/Presentation and the Model Walk at Finals. How were you feeling in that Open class? Did you realize that you were rocking it with regards to your Posing and Presentation? And finally, what was it like placing 2nd? Were you disappointed that you did not get the win there, or were you just taking everything in stride?

"It made me so upset with myself almost to a point of tears. But it’s made me work even harder for my comeback."

SUMMER: I was disappointed because I felt like I didn’t work hard enough. The scores were so close, but now I know what I need to work even harder on. There were some things that happened before stepping on stage with Kayla. And I was confident in myself knowing I was going against her. But everything happens for a reason and I’m proud of her for winning.

I gave it my all for both of the classes I was in. But I just keep reminding myself that it was my first show, and from here on out it’s grow/grind time. It made me so upset with myself almost to a point of tears. But it’s made me work even harder for my comeback.

BEN: Spoken like a true champion. I think you were very impressive in Destin and you were one of the most exciting athletes at that show. Following the show so much has happened. First you became a contracted IPL Athlete which comes with it so many perks, including interviews and features like this. We don’t have very many amateur athletes that are contracted. Typically, this is reserved for our Elite Level Pros. But amateur athletes who do well and appear to be great ambassadors for the sport and the league do have contracts extended to them.

You also popped up on an amazing video that the IPL has published. That’s one of the most popular videos we’ve posted all year. Now this Natural Bikini Magazine interview…the goods just keep coming! [laughs] I don’t know if you have been watching the new IPL Tutorial Series, but you also have a little cameo in one of those videos. Have you seen that yet? How are you feeling about what has come your way after your first IPL contest?

"I am feeling like I am going to be in the IPL for some time and I can definitely see a future with the league."

SUMMER: Thank you! This is all such an honor. Yes, I’ve watched all the videos! Being featured in them is an honor. I am feeling like I am going to be in the IPL for some time and I can definitely see a future with the league.

BEN: At this time we are four months away from the 9th Annual IPL Arizona Championship in Phoenix. First, what is it like for you traveling to compete? You traveled from Alaska to Destin Florida, which was a long travel. Now you will be heading to Arizona in April, which isn’t as long, but it is still travel nonetheless. What is that like for you? Also, what can we expect from you on the IPL Arizona stage?

"This comeback for Arizona is going to be tough, but I’m coming in hot for that Pro Card."

SUMMER: Traveling to Destin was pretty hard. It was my first time ever eating egg whites out of a bag. [laughs] This comeback for Arizona is going to be tough, but I’m coming in hot for that Pro Card.

BEN: Love it! And I can’t wait to see what you bring to Arizona! Summer, again, you are definitely an exciting competitor and I’m excited to see what the future holds for you. You are quite literally just getting started! The sky is the limit! NATURAL BIKINI

About the interviewer:

Ben Yosef

Ben is the Publisher of Natural Magazine and the President & Founder of the International Physique League.

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