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IPL Bikini Novice Champion Emily Mack

Photography by Ben Yosef

IPL newcomer, and first-time competitor Emily Mack took the August 2024 Southwest Grand Prix in Scottsdale, Arizona by storm! With a heart full of passion and a spirit filled with determination, Emily was ready to savor the experience of her debut competition, never expecting to seize victory. In this exclusive interview, Emily shares how this monumental win was more than just a 1st place medal. It was a celebration of hard work, perseverance, family togetherness, and the magic of believing in oneself.

"Shocking! Truly shocking...I was in the mindset of, 'Let’s do this for the experience and to celebrate what my body has allowed me to do.' Winning my division was the icing on the cake."

NATURAL BIKINI MAGAZINE: Emily, congratulations on your victory as the Bikini Novice Champion at the IPL Southwest Grand Prix! What was it like to achieve such a significant win in your debut?
EMILY MACK: Shocking! Truly shocking. I knew I had done the hard work, and I was proud of myself for that, but I knew it was a stacked show with phenomenal athletes. So, I was in the mindset of, “Let’s do this for the experience and to celebrate what my body has allowed me to do.” Winning my division was the icing on the cake.
NBM: It was quite a surprise that you only competed in the Novice class. What led to your decision to enter only Novice and not Open?
EM: Honestly? Lack of experience of what to expect at the show and out of myself. As a first-time competitor, I didn’t want to enter too many divisions and not be able to give each of them my VERY BEST. 
     I’m a big believer in quality vs quantity. So, when show day came and I saw how smooth things moved and fun it was to spend time back stage with the other athletes, I regretted not entering the Open. Thankfully, there is always next time. [smiles]
NBM: Balancing motherhood and a competitive fitness career must be challenging. How do you manage to juggle training, competition, and family life?

"It’s exactly how you described it…a constant juggling act and there are moments that I drop a ball or two."

EM: It’s exactly how you described it…a constant juggling act and there are moments that I drop a ball or two. Thankfully, I have an incredibly supportive family and husband that are always willing to step in when they can see that I need help to manage everything. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to pursue all of my endeavors.
NBM: Back to the Novice versus Open situation! LOL Your performance in the Novice category was outstanding. How do you think you would have fared had you entered the Open?

"Oh Gosh, it’s so hard for me to imagine how I might have done in the Open and I really wish I would have entered to have seen it through!"

EM: Oh Gosh, it’s so hard for me to imagine how I might have done in the Open and I really wish I would have entered to have seen it through! Considering how I did in my division, I think I would have at least been in the top 3 or 5 for the Open.
NBM: How has your Novice victory impacted your confidence and future plans in the IPL?
EM: It really was remarkable in all aspects. The work it took, the support I felt, and the opportunity to make it to the stage and experience the high of it all. It definitely solidified my belief in myself and mine and my coach’s Alex Hackett ability to make magic happen. I really believe that when the time is right, she and I will bring something very worthy of Pro status with the IPL.
NBM: Can you share a memorable moment from the competition that really stood out to you or a moment that made you realize you were on the path to victory?

"...when they called for the top 5 Novice Bikini competitors to go back out on stage and said 'Number 5, you’re in the top 5. Let’s go!' I thought, 'Oh my Gosh, I’m in the top 5 of my division?! I might have really done what I set out to do!'"

EM: I have two moments that really stuck with me from that day and were monumental. The first was being on stage, super depleted and exhausted, but seeing my kids and husband sitting first row. They were right behind the judges and they were BEAMING and cheering for me. It made me tear up. The other was when they called for the top 5 Novice Bikini competitors to go back out on stage and said “Number 5, you’re in the top 5. Let’s go!” I thought, “Oh my Gosh, I’m in the top 5 of my division?! I might have really done what I set out to do!”
NBM: Talking more about your family…what role did your family play in your preparation and overall experience at the IPL Southwest Grand Prix?
EM: My family played a HUGE role in it all. I am the oldest of 7 and at one point or another, every single one of my siblings and/or my parents either helped me with kids, errands, cheered me on, would call me to check on me when I was in the thick of it, etc. They were also ALL there on show day. In total, I think I had about 15-20 family members there on show day and I felt so much love and support from each of them.

"My next steps are to get back to the drawing board to come up with a plan to improve my physique! ...I will absolutely be competing in the Open at my next show."

NBM: With your impressive debut, what are your next steps?
EM: My next steps are to get back to the drawing board to come up with a plan to improve my physique! As fun as competing is, I really enjoy the seasons of growth that come with the process of it all. I will absolutely be competing in the Open at my next show.

"...it's SO WORTH it to bet on yourself and see how capable you are!"

NBM: For other mothers looking to enter the world of competitive fitness, what advice would you give them to balance their personal and professional lives while pursuing their goals?
EM: Accept that you might not always be able to do it “all”, but that doesn’t mean that you are any less worthy of chasing your dreams to compete. Some things are going to have to take a back seat while you train/prep, but it’s only temporary and it’s SO WORTH it to bet on yourself and see how capable you are!
NBM: Any final thoughts for Natural Bikini Magazine?
EM: It’s an absolute honor to be featured in a publication with such impressive female athletes. I’m looking forward to future opportunities with the IPL! NATURAL BIKINI

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