Bury St Edmunds Mum Heads to Hollywood for World Bodybuilding Finals
A Bury St Edmunds mother of two is set to represent Great Britain at the World Natural Bodybuilding Finals in Los Angeles next month, capping off a remarkable 20-year fitness journey.
Sarah Stannard, 53, a catering manager for Eastern Education Group, will compete in the Masters category – for athletes aged 40 and over – on November 22nd and 23rd. Stannard qualified for the WNBF World Finals after achieving two second-place finishes in previous competitions this year. Her participation highlights the growing popularity of natural bodybuilding, which prohibits the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Stannard’s path to the world stage began after struggling with weight following the birth of her children. “After school and training to be a qualified chef, I got married, had two children and put on a lot of weight,” she said. “I’ve always battled with it…To try and control it, I initially did running and cycling. Then just before Covid, I started at a gym.” She transitioned from strongwoman training after an injury and was encouraged to try bodybuilding by a fellow gym member and World Champion. “I thought ‘why not – give it a shot’,” Stannard explained. She currently trains two hours a day, six days a week, with a meticulously planned diet.
Colleagues at Eastern Education Group have expressed their support. Finance manager Zoe Hobbs stated, “Sarah is an inspiration in what she has already achieved and what she is striving to achieve…Just for her to be there is amazing.” Stannard hopes her story will encourage others to embrace fitness, emphasizing that gyms are not always intimidating spaces. Resources like the American Council on Exercise can help individuals find qualified trainers and safe workout routines. She added, “Don’t be afraid…There are people who will help you progress, and once you get on that journey there is no going back.” You can find more information about natural bodybuilding here.
Stannard is scheduled to travel to Los Angeles next month, with officials from Eastern Education Group expressing immense pride in her achievement and hoping for a medal finish.
