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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWWhat motivated you to transition from track and field to competitive bodybuilding, specifically in the bikini division?I%u2019ve run track since middle school which meant I always had a physical goal to work towards. After my collegiate track career ended, I felt like a big part of me (my competitive drive) was missing. I was looking for a new challenge and stumbled upon NPC Bikini and the rest was history!What are the most significant challenges you faced during your competitive years? The burden of expectation. When someone becomes successful, from that point, people will expect you to repeat that success over and over.How do you maintain such a high level of consistency in your performances across so many competitions?I believe it%u2019s due to keeping my offseason in check. Not allowing myself to get too far off of my stage conditioning means that I don%u2019t have to experience dramatic physique fluctuations from in season to off, thus making my contest prep much easier. People may be shocked to learn that my contest prep approach is pretty comfortable and maintainable.What was it like winning three consecutive Bikini Olympia titles, and how did that impact your career?It was the most amazing experience! It has provided me with many opportunities to travel the world, compete, and participate in seminars. I%u2019ve received several brand endorsements throughout my career as well.How has your training evolved over the years, and what adjustments have you made to stay competitive?I would say that it has not changed too dramatically throughout the years. I%u2019ve just gotten stronger and more constant over time.Can you share your thoughts on the evolution of the bikini division since you first started competing?It%u2019s very different from when I first started. The talent pool gets deeper and deeper every year, and the physiques get more advanced over time. I%u2019m thankful to have been able to keep up with this evolution through the years. For me, it%u2019s important to stay in the mix by showing up to competitions frequently, to not only compete, but also to observe on how things evolve over time.How do you approach training and nutrition during the off-season compared to competition prep?My training stays the same for the most part except I will eliminate cardio in the offseason and focus more on heavy lifts. My diet consists of mainly the same foods as I eat during prep but in larger quantities and with a few treats here and there. I love to eat healthy whether I%u2019m in or off season.What advice would you give to aspiring bikini competitors aiming for a successful career like yours?JUST KEEP GOING. You%u2019re not going to win every show, and you will have many ups and downs within your career, but it is important to learn from every mistake and move forward. What are some of the most memorable moments from your contest history, and why do they stand out to you?My very first Olympia win because I was such an underdog. No one expected me to win, and I pulled it off! It was the most wonderful experience that I will never forget.How has social media influenced your career, and what role does it play in your daily routine?It helps with brand endorsements and connecting with my fellow athletes and aspiring athletes. Not to mention it can be very motivating!What do you consider the key factors that have contributed to your long-term success in the IFBB Pro League?My willpower and dedication that I learned in my college track years. It also helps that I love what I do of course.Ashley Kaltwasser40 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 51