We’re All Going to Make It – Antonia Ennis on Resilience and Belief

Name: Antonia Ennis

Instagram Name: @Anniebolic.og

Categories competing in: Bikini Wellness & Bikini Short

 

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Hello Antonia, thank you for taking the time to share your story with us. Let’s dive into your journey.

What motivates you to compete in bodybuilding?

Honestly, I was inspired from a young age by the first fitness influencers like Zyzz. Ever since then I admired the confidence and aesthetics of fitness influencers and bodybuilders. I started working out at 16 years old, and when I began going to the gym as a beginner, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked at bodybuilders. They amazed me then and still do to this day. To be able to sculpt a physique that looks almost unreal through pure determination and discipline is something quite incredible, and from then on that’s all I ever wanted for myself.

Can you share a significant moment from your fitness journey that stands out to you?

Yes — I gained a significant amount of weight quite quickly during COVID. I went from a very toned physique to being considered ‘obese.’ It was a very hard realisation. The journey from that to getting on stage was something I had dreamed about for so many years, so to now be going Pro just seems so surreal.

Who or what inspires you to keep pushing towards your goals?

Mental health. Unfortunately, I have a history of attempted suicide. Thankfully, it’s something that doesn’t come to me anymore and hasn’t for a long time. However, going to the gym, keeping fit and having goals absolutely changed that for me. These days it’s the feeling of always being better and achieving something I didn’t think was possible for myself that drives me.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to compete in bodybuilding and/or Pure Elite?

Wow. Go for it. Believe in yourself. You’re capable of anything. Anything you want in life you can have it. You are never too old, too unhappy, too far away. Go and get what you want. Start now!

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your fitness journey, and how did you overcome it?

I prepared myself for my own show. Mentally, it was really hard. I was actually going to give up a week before because I didn’t think I was lean enough and I didn’t think I was good enough. The body dysmorphia hit me really hard. I couldn’t see clearly through the prep. Was I wrong…

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?

So, so exciting! I can’t wait to get up there again improved. Can’t wait to see everyone and make new friends.

What has changed for you since earning your Pro Card — mentally, physically, or emotionally?

It just enhanced that I’m capable of achieving the unimaginable for me. I feel stronger, I have more self-belief, more confidence.

What part of your journey are you most proud of?

I have to be honest, it’s just the ability to keep going and keep getting back up when I feel like I want to just give up.

Give us a one-liner that sums up your mindset going into the World Championships.

Back to basics~ We’re all going to make it. :)

What lessons or experiences from past Worlds are you bringing into this prep?

Just trying my best. I’m blessed to have received this kind of opportunity and I don’t want to let myself or anyone else down. I’m bringing my best.

What’s different about your prep or mindset this time around?

I’ve switched up my training massively — preparing for some big changes. Also, posing without a mirror.

What would you tell yourself before your first Pro World Championships?

I imagine myself in the future being exactly what I want and achieving what I want to, and honestly that’s all I need.

What titles and placings at the World Championships do you currently have?

This will be my first World Championships as a Pro.

What does being a Pure Elite Pro mean to you?

Just doing my best. I’m blessed to have received this kind of opportunity and I don’t want to let myself or anyone else down. I’m bringing my best.

What have you improved or changed since earning your Pro Card?

I’ve switched up my training massively and started posing without a mirror — really working on refining everything.

What drives you to keep showing up at your best?

I imagine myself in the future being exactly what I want and achieving what I want to — and honestly that’s all I need.

What advice would you give to athletes aiming for their Pro Card?

I’d honestly say just do your best. Try your hardest. It’s hard because everyone is so different. Everyone has their thing that makes them special. Be your most authentic self and show your personality.

Any sponsors, coaches, or people you want to shout out?

I’d like to shout out Illegal Nutrition for sponsoring me and also Next Level Gym — the vibe at that place is unmatched.

Any Pure Elite Pro you would like to compete against?

Hahaha wow yes! Too many actually. I don’t want to say any names 😂

Thank you, Antonia, for sharing your inspiring and powerful journey with us. We can’t wait to see you bring your authentic energy and improved physique to the World stage.

 

Stay tuned for more interviews as we follow our Pros on the Road to the Worlds.