Ms. Bikini Paris Leslie Pantigny says she started fitness training after moving to French Polynesia a few years ago. The 5’3″, 118 lbs., 31 year old fragrance ambassador explains, “My passion for fitness and competitions started with some guidance from my coach in Tahiti. I was working and living in paradise and the change of life made a difference in my whole mindset. For me fitness changes your appearance but also the whole thought process. I think clear and live the fitness lifestyle! I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Leslie is training now for Ms. Bikini Universe in Miami / Ft. Lauderdale in June.

’14 Figure Paris winner Lorie Barghi lives in Paris as a personal trainer. She is 20 years young and has been working out for over 3 years. Lorie started competing 2 years ago in the Bikini division. This year, she decided to move into the Figure division. She says, “I won the Figure division, but I still have many improvements to make. I need to practice my posing routine and add more symmetry and muscle quality. I want to develop myself into the fitness industry through modeling. I also want to move to the U.S.A. in a few years and open a business with my boyfriend, and ’14 Musclemania Paris Champion, Deelan Duriez 

Model Britain Champions Ashley Lewis & Daisy Ward who won the show last weekend in London. At just 17 years old, Daisy surprised everyone with her fresh look and was Top 5 Finalist at Model Universe in Miami in the summer. Ashley is a black belt in karate and level 2-3 personal trainer. The 5’7″, 180 lbs. was all new to the competitive fitness scene. He explains, “I have never been to a competition and I have never tried to cut weight and have always been single digit body fat.”

While being stationed in Germany, Siah Castellanos became engross in fitness competitions. The 5’7″, 128 lbs, 31 year old veteran has competed in 3 shows including Ms. Bikini Paris and Helsinki and will be on stage at Ms. Bikini Universe next weekend. Growing up in Mexico, Siah now says, “I cherish those memories and never take for granted all that life has to offer.” She comes from a solid military family. “My father served in the Navy Seals, my brother currently serves in the Air Force and is retiring this year. So, the discipline needed for fitness shows is nothing out of the ordinary for me.”

Nydia Salinas is a 33 year old working, full-time single mother of three kids from San Antonio, TX. She is also a care provider to her mother battling cancer and her brother who lives with Autism.

“I work in a law firm as a paralegal and provide fitness and nutrition training to my boot campers. I am a trained certified Nutritionist and Personal Fitness Trainer. I competed in 2013 in my first Fitness America competition and this year I will be competing in both the bikini and figure divisions This year I want to return and take 1st place and win my pro card status. Winning this would be a huge breakthrough for me and my family. My Love is fitness and weight training.”

Nydia has a passion for helping the homeless and orphans. She too was a bit of an orphan at an early age. Nydia was raised by her grandparents after the death of her father. “I can relate to feeling like an outcast and discarded and this is why my passion is with those that face these emotions daily. The name of my charity for the homeless and orphans is called ‘Love Beyond Measure’.

This year we hope to impact the orphans with much needed love and support through our outreach initiatives. My future plans are to compete in Paris with the Fitness Universe Tour this October and would love to be able to deliver a trophy to an orphanage in Africa. This would display dedication, faith and hope to the children. Just because you are an orphan doesn’t mean that you can’t be successful and u can’t fulfill God’s purpose in your life.”

With nearly 150 natural competitors from throughout Europe and America, last weekend's Fitness Paris show was an electric show! Held at the awe inspiring Cite de Sciences Amphitheatre the performances were outstanding and talent among the best seen in Europe in many years.