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4 Years, 7 Shows – Rhonda Flagstad Turns Pro!

Photography by Ben Yosef

Four years. Seven shows. And a breakthrough moment that made it all worth it. In this Winter 2025 interview, Rhonda Flagstad chats with Natural Bikini Magazine for the first time as an official IPL Pro after earning two Pro Cards at the Southwest Grand Prix in Women’s Sports Model Masters and Swimsuit Model Masters. After steadily building her journey across multiple divisions, Rhonda’s long-term patience, discipline, and trust in the process culminated in a career-defining weekend—and an immediate debut on the Pro stage. In her own words, she reflects on the lessons, mindset, and support system that carried her from her earliest IPL shows to officially joining the Pro ranks.

“Becoming an IPL Pro has been a dream of mine for a very long time. I’m truly honored to represent the IPL at this level.”

NATURAL BIKINI MAGAZINE: Rhonda, welcome to Natural Bikini Magazine! You have been featured across several IPL magazines over the years, but this is your first time here and your first interview since turning Pro. Congratulations! How does it feel to finally be sitting here as an IPL Pro?
RHONDA FLAGSTAD: It feels incredible! Becoming an IPL Pro has been a dream of mine for a very long time. I’m truly honored to represent the IPL at this level.
NBM: You have been part of the IPL for four years and competed in seven shows before earning your Pro Cards. When you look back on that journey, what do you think kept you going?
RF: Honestly, I thought my bodybuilding days were behind me. Then my friend and coach reached out about the IPL, and I decided to start over… slowly and at my own pace. What really kept me going was having a supportive team around me. I also love that the IPL offers Transformation and Evening Gown divisions. They make it easier to ease into the competition lifestyle and figure out if it’s a good fit.
NBM: You didn’t just turn Pro… you earned multiple Pro Cards in different divisions at the Southwest Grand Prix. What was that show like for you?
RF: That show was a turning point for me. I changed a few things during this prep, and it really paid off. It was challenging, but having Teresa Moss and Lanet Spence as my coaches kept me grounded and motivated. I kept the competition “quiet,” so most friends and family didn’t even know I was competing!

“What really kept me going was having a supportive team around me and easing into the competition lifestyle at my own pace.”

NBM: You have competed across Shape, Sports Model, Swimsuit Model, and more. Looking back now, do you think that versatility helped shape you into a stronger athlete?
RF: Absolutely. It’s fun trying different categories and learning what best suits your shape, personality, and goals.
NBM: You’ve shared many different sides of your story in other magazine interviews. Now that Pro status is official, what feels different about how you see yourself as a competitor?
RF: As a Pro, I feel a responsibility to bring a higher level of discipline to the stage. There are so many things in life we can’t control, but I can control how I fuel my body and whether I get my workouts done.
NBM: Going into this show, did it feel like pressure, or did it feel more like trusting the work you had already put in?
RF: Honestly, I wasn’t even sure I would make it to the stage this time. I told myself to just be grateful, enjoy the moment, and whatever happens… happens. Trust the process and have fun.
NBM: You stepped onto the Pro stage immediately and held your own. What did that first Pro experience feel like?
 

“That show was a turning point for me. I changed a few things during this prep, and it really paid off.”

RF: I’ve dreamed about that moment for years. Being up there with other Pros felt so rewarding… like everything finally came full circle. Sharing the stage with so many incredible women was truly special.
NBM: Did this prep or this season feel different from previous years, or did it feel more like everything finally clicked?
RF: Yes, this prep felt different. I tried some new things, and it finally felt like everything clicked. At 55, it has taken time to figure out what works best for my body, and that’s where Lanet and Teresa were such a huge help.
NBM: After years of patience and persistence, were there any unexpected rewards that came with finally earning your Pro Cards?
RF: There were times I wondered if I should keep going. But having goals keeps me accountable. Going to the gym, making good food choices, checking in with teammates. When they announced the points and I realized I’d earned Pro status… that feeling was overwhelming. Having people who truly believe in you is the biggest reward.
NBM: If you could speak to the version of yourself from your very first IPL show, what would you tell her now?
RF: Don’t give up. It’s a lot of hard work, but it is absolutely worth it.

“If I can inspire even one person the way the Pros inspired me, then that means everything.”

NBM: When you look at the full picture of four years and seven shows, what does turning Pro truly represent to you at this point in your life?
RF: I’ve met amazing people and formed friendships I will always cherish. Turning Pro is validation that what I’ve been doing works. And if I can inspire even one person the way the Pros inspired me, then that means everything.
NBM: Rhonda, thank you so much for being such an incredible part of the IPL and for taking time for your first Natural Bikini Magazine interview. We’ve watched your journey unfold across the league, and it’s been amazing to see your persistence, growth, and passion finally pay off. Congratulations again on all of your success and on officially earning your Pro status.
RF: Thank you so much. I’m truly honored to be part of this organization.
NBM: Finally, now that you’ve reached this milestone and can proudly call yourself an IPL Pro, what’s exciting you most about this next chapter… both on stage and beyond it?
RF: My next goal is to win a Pro category and hopefully earn even more Pro Cards in different divisions. I love the team I’m on… it’s always such an uplifting and rewarding weekend together. We support each other, cheer each other on, and chase our goals side by side. NATURAL BIKINI

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