"I don't consider myself to be 50, I suppose these types of things keep you youthful," she said.
"I love the fact I've just competed on stage with younger girls and I looked like I still belonged up there."
As Tammy Zanotti prepared to celebrate her 50th birthday, she decided to pursue her long-standing ambition of competing in competitive bodybuilding.
"I had always planned to step into this when I turned 50," Zanotti explained, reflecting on her determination to represent both herself and her age group.
Over the course of 18 months, she committed herself to an intensive regimen involving structured training, disciplined dietary practices, and consistent communication with her coach. Her efforts culminated in her participation in her first bodybuilding event—the Natural Bodybuilding Australia WA titles—where she competed in two distinct categories.
Zanotti secured first place in the 50+ sports model division, demonstrating her exceptional dedication. Impressively, she also achieved second place in the beginner sports model category, competing against entrants significantly younger than herself.
"Isn't that empowering?" Zanotti remarked, highlighting the significance of her achievement. "I was the only 50-year-old on stage, but I wanted to represent the older generations proudly."
Following this, Zanotti participated in another state-level competition, where she continued to exhibit her capabilities by earning additional accolades. She now prepares to advance to the national titles, underscoring her ongoing pursuit of excellence within the discipline of competitive bodybuilding.
Zanotti’s story not only exemplifies resilience and commitment but also serves as inspiration for individuals seeking to push boundaries and challenge age-related stereotypes in fitness.
