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New IPL Bikini Model Pro, Avril Straub

Newly crowned IPL Bikini Model Pro, Avril Straub is a force to be reckoned with, combining strength, dedication, and grace on and off the stage. The 2024 IPL Golden Heart Classic marked a turning point in her career, where she earned 1st place in the Bikini Model Open class. For Avril, it’s more than just a title—it’s about inspiring others, from her community in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to the global fitness community, as she shares her story of perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of health, fitness, and self-love.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN YOSEF

"I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of a community of naturally built, strong and focused athletes."

NATURAL MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL: Congratulations, Avril! You’re officially a New IPL Bikini Model Pro! How does it feel to achieve this milestone in your career?
AVRIL STRAUB: I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of a community of naturally built, strong and focused athletes. The first milestone is always that, the first. I’m looking forward to the next show.
NMI: You were on fire at the Golden Heart Classic! What was the atmosphere like, and how did it fuel your performances?
AVRIL: I feel truly grateful to have had Alaska’s best promoter, Teresa Quakenbush, on our team for this show. She really put in a lot of hard work and dedication to this event. Teresa kept things flowing backstage and gave each and every competitor a pep talk and love through the entire show. Watching her love for this event pour out was truly inspiring. Being backstage and seeing and hearing everyone’s stories was honestly such a blessing. Knowing I was on stage with athletes that have conquered so many obstacles in life to be the person they present on stage was a great feeling.

"Completing this first milestone was a great feeling...I think I was already planning what color suit I wanted to have for the next show before I walked off stage."

NMI: Competing in multiple divisions is no small feat. What inspired you to take on so many challenges at the show?
AVRIL: Again, the flow of the show was built for athletes to “crossover”. The Alaska IPL Promoter, Teresa Quakenbush, made calls that benefited each athlete when putting together the flow of the show. Backstage having her call out what was next, who was next, and where to go was fabulous and honestly took so much pressure off of us. She was running around helping us fix hair, glue down suits and be where we needed to be. Without her hard work I can’t imagine being able to experience so many divisions in one show. That’s something exceptional about the Alaskan IPL show.
NMI: Winning 1st place in the Bikini Model Open class must have been exhilarating! Can you describe that moment when they announced your name as the 1st place and Pro Card Winner?
AVRIL: Completing this first milestone was a great feeling. It quickly set in with a deep breath on stage that this was exactly that, a first milestone with what I hope is many more to follow. I think I was already planning what color suit I wanted to have for the next show before I walked off stage.

"Even though there’s at least a 10 inch height difference between us on stage (me being taller) Bri is someone who I absolutely look up to and admire..."

NMI: You jumped straight into the Pro class for your Pro Debut, where you placed 2nd to top IPL Pro Brianne Cruz. How did it feel to step on stage as an IPL Pro for the first time? And what was it like competing against Brianne?
AVRIL: Competing against Bri was actually like “the old days.” I am familiar with the presence of Bri on stage next to me. She was on my first team in my first show several years ago. So it was hard to stay focused and not just giggle standing next to her once again. I knew I was coming off 2nd place in that.
     Bri is an outstanding athlete who dedicates so much of her world to this sport. She brings such an iconic look and really sets the standard for what that division is supposed to look like. Even though there’s at least a 10 inch height difference between us on stage (me being taller) Bri is someone who I absolutely look up to and admire for setting the standard in so many things with the IPL. It was slightly like standing next to a famous actress you’ve always wanted to spend time with.

"Do the division...If you’re there competing in a $300-$1,000 suit already why not pay $20-50 and do another division that’s fun and sassy."

NMI: What is it about the IPL Bikini Model division that attracted you to it? And are there any tips you can give for athletes who are considering entering IPL Bikini Model?
AVRIL: Bikini Model is a pretty financially easy going category to compete in and that’s what drew me to use it as a “crossover division.” I bought a $25 bikini online and paid the division fee. That was it. I figured since I was going to the show I may as well just jump in on it. I already had the hair, make up, shoes, etc., so, why not? My advice for others is just try it. Do the division. It’s fun, easy going, and why not? If you’re there competing in a $300-1,000 suit already why not pay $20-$50 and do another division that’s fun and sassy.
NMI: What was your favorite part about competing at the Golden Heart Classic, aside from the wins? Any fun behind-the-scenes moments?
AVRIL: It’s hard to picture any one behind the scenes moment that was better than any other. But two heartfelt moments were when our winner of the Transformation division came off stage to hug her husband who was also competing in the show. The hug was so real…the love, the excitement for her and her long hard journey to success was electrifying to everyone backstage.
     The second one was getting the hug and congratulations from Teresa Moss when I received my first Pro Card that night. Teresa has been part of my life since birth. She has been a role model, a mom, sister, the cool auntie, coach, friend, prayer buddy, and so much more. She’s not directly related to me, but the amount of love she has poured out into and over my life you would think we share DNA. However, she’s like that with many people in life. I was overwhelmed when she said “you did it sweet girl. You made it.” Definitely the highlight of my first IPL show.

"Bringing fitness, health, and self-love back to my community is my priority with the IPL."

NMI: As a newcomer in the IPL, what has surprised you the most about the league?
AVRIL: How many divisions there are for us athletes to compete in. That was by far the most interesting thing to me. There’s literally a category for everyone at any stage in their journey and a platform to celebrate each person who is willing to put in the work and showcase their success story. Teresa Quakenbush created such a family-style show. It truly felt like I was sitting backstage with friends, family and loved ones. Even girls I had never met before were just so sweet and unlike other shows, no one was catty backstage.
NMI: Looking ahead, what are your goals as a new Pro? What’s next for Avril Straub?
AVRIL: Bringing fitness, health, and self-love back to my community is my priority with the IPL. Showcasing dedication, hard work, and drive to my community in Dutch Harbor/Unalaska, Alaska is something I am driving for this year. Using my Pro titles as fire to really dig deep and promote healthy lifestyles as I push forward into the next show for 2025. Hopefully bringing some of my community members with me to a journey that starts on the IPL stages. NATURALMAG

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