Poppy Hooton shares her advice on what it takes to be a Talented Teen
My name is Poppy and I am competing in Miss Galaxy Universe, seeking success in the Beach Body category. Miss Galaxy Universe aims to showcase a woman’s athletic ability as well as her physique so it is a combination of both fitness tests and bikini posing rounds. I am planning on entering more fitness competitions in the future with the hope of being a fitness model.
Determination and Drive to get fit
1. How did you start doing what you do?
I’ve always been into fitness, I think it’s important to lead a healthy lifestyle so training for the Miss Galaxy competition I haven’t had to change too much. My mum’s a personal trainer so she has been teaching me for years the importance of exercise and a healthy diet. She found out about the competition before me and after I went along to one of the training camps I decided it was something I’d really like to be involved with. The competition has given me a focus and a goal to work towards which encourages me to keep up with my training.
2. Who supported you along the way?
My family are really important to me and they are my biggest supporters. My mum motivates me in the gym to keep pushing through the pain because she knows I can do it and the other girls in the competition have been really great too. They are all massively supportive and as they know and understand what I’m going through, they always give great advice. Having other people believe in me makes me believe that I can do it.
3. What were the high points?
The way I feel after a workout makes it all worth it. I’m getting stronger every day; I can lift heavier, run faster and train for longer, all of which makes me proud of myself. I also love having the photo shoots that I’ve had from my training and the Miss Galaxy competition, it’s something I feel really comfortable and confident with and it’s really rewarding after all the training.
4. What were the low points?
There are days when I can’t even walk up stairs because my legs are aching so much from the previous day’s training, that’s pretty rough!
5. Have you had any negative reactions? How did you deal with them?
I’ve been called names, I’ve been bitched about, ignored and laughed at. I’ve been made to feel embarrassed for doing what I really enjoy doing and isolated because people think I’m some sort of fitness freak. I deal with it by carrying on doing what I want to do. I’m doing this competition for me, not to please everybody else.
6. How have other young people reacted to you?
Most of the negative reactions I’ve just mentioned have been from young people. I think a lot of it is that some people just don’t actually understand what I’m doing. It’s not just standing on stage in a bikini and posing; it’s months of training, hard work and motivation.
7. What have you learnt about yourself through the process?
I’ve learnt that I should always believe in myself even when other people are trying to knock me down. It’s important to keep going and don’t look back. I’ve learnt that I can do anything when I put my mind to it.
8. What skills/abilities have you developed along the way?
I’ve gained skills in my training as I’ve found out what really works for me. I’ve developed the ability to physically and mentally push myself further as I’ve realised that I’m stronger than I thought.
9. What advice would you have for other young people?
Don’t give up on your dreams because other people are trying to break them for you. Sometimes jealousy can take ugly forms, it could be that negativity is jealousy as someone doesn’t want you to carry on doing what you’re doing because they know you will do well in it. If you want something then go out and get it; I wanted to take my training to a higher level and to achieve something I can be really proud of so that’s what I did.
Talented Teens is a place where young people can share their views, thoughts, ideas and advice on being talented in the world today. What does it take to stand out from the crowd? What does it take to reach your dreams while still young? Whether you are, or dream of being a singer, songwriter, actor, novelist, top athlete, poet campaigner or just want to have a positive impact in some other amazing way, we are here to help. The aim of Talented Teens is to link up young people who are already doing great stuff with young people who want to, so they are learn share, support and help each other.
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Listen to Poppy’s Interview
