“My fitness journey had started when I was in the 3rd grade playing basketball. I have always been a natural athlete and I was good at anything thrown at me. I played volleyball, basketball, soccer, and a travel basketball team. I played sports from third grade throughout jr college at JJC. When I was in my middle of season in my sophomore year I been getting a lot of pain in my side but I thought it was just a bruised rib due to being in a contact sport a few months when on and still feeling this awful pain my mom realized something was wrong. I finally ended up going to the doctor and long story short they had found a focal nodular hyperplasia tumor that ended my college sports career. After my surgery and recovery I started running I started with 1 mile then moved to 3 miles before I knew it I was running 6 miles a day more fun and clarity. At the time running was peaceful and therapeutic for me. Out of nowhere it was like a light switch and I decided to lift. I would train 3-4 days a week then I was frequently asked if I competed, but one day instead of asking if I do compete someone had asked me the question of, “why don’t you compete?” that was the game changer for me. I thought to myself why not, what do i have to lose. I was terrified but it sparked my interest. I had no idea on what my first step would be so i met my first coach Habideen Olaniran and the rest was history we started my prep, got on stage for my first show and I place 2nd in open class 3rd in novice and I knew I wanted to continue because I grew a love and passion for this sport. I am now working with Sarah Lyon with the Underground Athletes and I am so excited to see what we do for these next few shows coming up! ” — Brittany Baker
Julio Gonzalez is the new addition to our Elite Athlete Program. Julio has been bodybuilding for 6 years and is currently preparing for Midwest Gladiator show in November and possibly turning pro in 2 years. Please help us welcome Julio to the CSFC family.
