Always the athlete, Grandview Heights native Sue Knott has done it all – track, gymnastics, cheerleading.
Recently, Knott has added one more to the list: international figure bodybuilding.
Some might assume her two aunts – Sue and Sandra Knott, figure bodybuilders who worked with famous trainer Jim Lorimer and have made appearances at the Olympics and the Pan American Games – inspired the addition, but Sue made the decision on her own.
“I started looking for something and this fell into my lap,” Knott says. “A friend of mine was involved in bodybuilding and he invited me to check it out. I’ve competed every year since.”
Since 2005, Knott has spent three years competing on the local level in central Ohio and three additional years on the national level. She was recently awarded professional status and a sponsorship from Liquid Sunrise, a tanning salon, after winning the North American Championships in September. Knott plans to begin her professional career this spring at the Arnold Sports Festival right here in Columbus, slated for March 1-4.
“I’m excited and nervous. It’s my first ever professional show and it’s a big stage to step on,” she says. “It’s a chance to represent my coaches, my supporters and myself.”
On competition day, contestants participate in an individual prejudging before taking the stage. As a subjective competition, female figure bodybuilding is based solely on physique such as wide, shapely shoulders and legs, a narrow waist, and an overall lean and feminine look.
“I try not to put a whole lot of value on how I place and focus on bringing out the best package I can during the week of the show,” says Knott. “It’s a chance to network, so I plan on enjoying the day, the atmosphere and the excitement of it all.”
Knott, who has participated in 16 competitions already, is committed to a strict schedule of workouts and dieting beginning at 5:30 a.m. four to five days a week. Her day includes 20 to 40 minutes of cardio, lifting for one to two and a half hours at the gym, and six meals.
“You have to have tunnel vision during competition season. A lot of it is hard work, day in and day out sticking with diet and training,” says Knott. “The most important component is my diet. I have to become creative in the kitchen with my meals.”
In between workouts and meals, Knott has found free time to travel, attend sporting events and visit her support group of friends and family.
“My family has always been supportive. It took time for them to get used to it. They look at me funny sometimes because of what I do, but they have always been there,” says Knott. “My coaches and the girls I train with have also really helped. We have developed a unique bond because we all go through this together.”
Despite these factors, Knott still has difficulty establishing a balance in her daily life due to her strict dietary requirements.
“When you have to pack your own cooler (of food) or can’t go out and have a drink, it’s difficult,” she says. “Family and friends have to be understanding about your social life and your diet.”
So far, these struggles have yet to deter Knott from putting in the necessary dedication and work ethic, making her become a role model for other young women.
“At times I do feel like that when I’m working with younger girls. It wasn’t my intention when I first started out but, it’s something I enjoy and I share a passion for,” she says. “I’m trying to go out there and do my best and represent myself in a good healthy manner. It’s something I will be able to carry on my entire life and have taught to other people, allowing them to get on healthier tracks as well.”
During her years in the figure competition world, Knott has taken note of the stigma female bodybuilders face.
“When people realize what I do, there’s a flood of questions. They always want a quick fix,” says Knott. “They think I spend hours working out, but really, it’s only like an hour a day. Most people look at us and think we lift a ton and starve ourselves, but I eat a lot and it’s a very scientific and calculated process. We are still feminine; I’m still a girl.”
Despite some negative attitudes from acquaintances, Knott plans to continue her career as a professional figure bodybuilder.
“I enjoy working and pushing myself and have had some great people that have motivated me and guided me to help get to the next level,” says Knott. “I’ve been competing since 2005 and haven’t taken a year off yet, and have no plans of doing so.”
Lindsay Friedman is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at laurand@pubgroupltd.com