Name: Katie Hounsome
Instagram Name: @katie_bikini_pro
Categories competing in: Bikini, Mums That Lift, Bikini Over 35
Hello Katie, thank you for sharing your journey with us. Let’s jump into your Road to the Worlds story.
What motivates you to compete in bodybuilding?
What motivates me is a constant drive for personal growth and development. It’s about pushing myself to become a better version of who I was yesterday, both mentally and physically. For me, the gym is more than just a place to lift weights, it’s a sanctuary for ‘me time,’ where the routine brings peace and discipline. Most of all, my journey is about being a strong role model for my girls, teaching them that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible.
Can you share a significant moment from your fitness journey that stands out to you?
Getting my Pro Card at my first competition stands out more than any other moment. I knew I had worked hard and given 100% commitment, but I never expected to receive that level of recognition. While I had visualised and manifested placing, the Pro Card was something else, it wasn’t just a prize, it was a powerful acknowledgment of everything I’d poured into the journey.
Who or what inspires you to keep pushing towards your goals?
Ultimately, the person who inspires me most is myself. That deep inner drive is essential in bodybuilding because not everyone understands the level of commitment it takes. My goals are self-set, and I know that only I can get me where I want to go. That said, I’m very lucky to have a supportive group of friends and a fantastic coach who bring positivity and encouragement to my journey.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to compete in bodybuilding and/or Pure Elite?
Choose your coach wisely, look for someone with a solid track record. Your first prep will be the toughest, so be prepared for the time, effort, and organisation it requires. Keep “fail to prepare, prepare to fail” at the front of your mind. Most importantly, stay grounded. Communicate with your friends and family because they’re learning too. Be present and be grateful, this is a privilege.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your fitness journey, and how did you overcome it?
My journey began during lockdown, at a time when I was painfully thin and had a poor relationship with food. It came during a long and difficult divorce. Weight training became my focus and my therapy. Learning how to eat, train, and nourish myself properly was a huge shift. The most difficult part was going into a bulk phase, that was a huge mental hurdle. But I reminded myself: if you’re scared, do it scared.
Is this your first Pure Elite Pro Show?
Yes.
Is this your first time competing at the World Championships as a Pro?
Yes.
How does it feel preparing for your first time on the World stage?
Making my debut on the World stage feels incredible, it’s a mix of excitement and determination. Since earning my Pro Card, I feel more prepared than ever and ready to bring an improved physique and my best self. I’m also looking forward to standing alongside other athletes who share the same mindset and passion.
What has changed for you since earning your Pro Card — mentally, physically, or emotionally?
Earning my Pro Card has lit a fire in me. It’s intensified my drive to be the best version of myself. The moment I stepped on stage and received that card, I knew I had found what I love. It’s changed how I see myself and deepened my focus in every area of life.
What part of your journey are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the whole journey. Every part of it, the wins, the struggles, the growth, it’s all shaped me into who I am now.
Give us a one-liner that sums up your mindset going into the World Championships.
Bring a better version of me than before.
What lessons or experiences from past Worlds are you bringing into this prep?
This is my first Worlds, but everything I’ve done to get here has prepared me for this moment.
What’s different about your prep or mindset this time around?
Since earning my Pro Card, my coach and I have reviewed everything and made some strategic changes to my programme. I’ve spent some time in a maintenance phase and have gone back into prep with small tweaks to my food plan. But the truth is, the daily grind hasn’t changed—it’s still about showing up, ticking every box, and doing the work even when it’s tough.
What would you tell yourself before your first Pro World Championships?
You can’t get your Pro Card from the sidelines, you have to step on the stage. Trust your coach, commit to the process, and just start. Don’t wait for perfect.
What titles and placings at the World Championships do you currently have?
This will be my first Worlds.
What does being a Pure Elite Pro mean to you?
It means everything. It’s recognition of the hard work, but it also ignited a deeper motivation in me to keep going and reach even higher.
What have you improved or changed since earning your Pro Card?
We’ve refined my programme, changed the food plan to keep things interesting, and I’ve continued to focus on the non-negotiables: work, cardio, walking, and consistency.
What drives you to keep showing up at your best?
It’s a deeply personal desire to be my strongest self. But more than that, it’s about showing my girls what dedication really looks like, so they know anything is possible if you work for it.
What advice would you give to athletes aiming for their Pro Card?
Get a coach and take the leap. Don’t wait for the “right” moment. Step on that stage and go for it. The biggest reward isn’t the card, it’s the discipline and confidence you’ll gain by going all in.
Any sponsors, coaches, or people you want to shout out?
My incredible coach Amanda Hillman, my amazing friends and family, and most of all, my girls, who are my rock.
Any Pure Elite Pro you would like to compete against?
I’m there to compete against myself.
Thank you, Katie, for sharing such an empowering and reflective journey. We look forward to seeing you take the stage for your first Pure Elite Pro World Championships with purpose and pride.
Stay tuned for more interviews as we follow our Pros on the Road to the Worlds.