WBFF Figure Athlete Katie Jo Schmidt

Name, Bio and Stats

Katie Jo Schmidt

5’1″

I am currently a full-time student ready to graduate in December 2011 with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise & Sports Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology.  I am also a part-time fitness coach.

Where do you live?

I currently live in Raeford, North Carolina.  I am originally from a small town Inverness, Florida.  I moved to Fayetteville, NC about 6 years ago upon entering the U.S. military. I am no longer in the U.S. Army, but my husband is still proudly serving.
What are your athletic achievements and competition history?

My first competition was in October 2010 and I placed 2nd in the Figure (Open) division.

What or who inspires you to compete?

My #1 Fan, my husband!! My family & my very supportive friends.  Sports and competition has always been apart of my life.  I enjoyed the feeling of achievement and satisfaction knowing that I always do my best. I have always wanted to compete in Figure.

The overwhelming increasing rate of diabetes and childhood obesity in the United States also inspires me to set goals for myself and be an inspiration to others. The greatest feeling I often experience is the satisfaction of helping others lose weight, make healthier eating choices, and help others to have a positive self-esteem.  Life is too short to let it pass you by and to live with regrets and always wondering “What might have been” or “What if”.

What excites you most about competing with the WBFF?

Wow, there are so many to list, but my top three are:

1. The professionalism that the federation shows towards the competitors whether they win or just simply do their best.

2. The immense amount of competition that the WBFF athletes have to offer.

3. The opportunities that the WBFF make available to athletes who train hard and work hard to be the best.

The WBFF athletes are not like most other federations that I have experienced. The WBFF athletes always give great competition towards other competitors which in my opinion makes the sport even more fascinating and a lot more challenging. I have to work harder and train harder in order to compete with the best of the best.

What are your future goals?

I hope to earn my Pro card in my 2011 competition season. I also plan to graduate in the December 2011 with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Physiology.  Within the next 3 years, I hope to see myself on the page of a fitness magazine.  Also, my goal is to get accepted into numerous Doctorate in Physical Therapy programs so that I can choose which school is the best for me.
How can people find out more about you?

My email address is [email protected] I can also be reached on my Facebook page at

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001598324550

What obstacles have you overcome to achieve your goals (what’s your story?)

I grew up in a not-so-fortunate situation.  My father left us when I was 4 years old and soon after depression had taken over my mother and so did the alcohol.  I was forced to raise my little brother and my little sister.  I did not get to enjoy the childhood life that so many others are fortunate to have.  So many people never expected me to be who I am today. A very strong willed, go-getter, fight for the gold kind of gal. After growing up in a small town and seeing that the people there weren’t interested in going anywhere in life, I decided to venture out on my own.  I volunteered for the U.S. Army in 2003 and soon after was shipped off to basic training.  After my successful completion of my training, I was shipped off to Iraq.  Being my first time away from home and my family, I was ABSOLUTELY terrified!! However, I was given a mission and it had to be accomplished.  I have since then also deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008.  I have been very fortunate to meet wonderful people along my journey in life.  My best friend and wonderful husband, my wonderful friend and the person who has taught me so much Maddy, and those who always push me to strive for the best.  Liz, Kara, & Linda.  I do not let my past control my future.  I have no regrets & take full responsibility for all of my successes and failures.    Although the best is never-ending, I always strive for it.

Anyone you would like to thank who has been a part of your fitness journey?

I would love to thank God for showing me the right path and always being by my side and loving me.  Also, I cannot thank my husband enough for giving up all the sweets and junk food with me in order for me make it along this journey. He really is my #1 fan and he supports me and backs me 100% with my decisions and goals I make. I would also like to thank my mom who has always believed in me and who I wish could be here today to experience this wonderful journey with me.

If you are competing in the WBFF US Central Championships and would like to be featured in our “Who’s Competing” section please read submission guidelines here:
https://hitchfit.com/dianac/2011/01/24/whos-competing/whos-competing-submission-guidelines/

To register for the WBFF US Central Championships visit www.WBFFSHOWS.com
For more information on photography services, tanning services, prizes and more visit
https://hitchfit.com/dianac/2011/01/23/news/wbff-central-us-championships-comes-to-kansas-city/