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What qualities or factors have made Ashley Kaltwasser so special in her field?She%u2019s the epitome of dedication%u2014it%u2019s really as simple as that. Before I met Ashley, I thought I understood what it meant to be dedicated. Growing up in a sports background, I believed I had a grasp on what it took to commit fully. But after meeting Ashley, I realized I had only scratched the surface. Her level of dedication is on a completely different plane. In fact, there should be a new term for it: Are you dedicated, or are you %u201cAshley-dedicated%u201d? Because the two are worlds apart.What makes Ashley truly remarkable is her unwavering commitment over the long haul. I%u2019ve encountered many competitors who can maintain high levels of dedication in the short term%u201416 weeks, 6 months, maybe even a year. But to sustain that same relentless drive and focus for nearly a decade is something entirely different. It%u2019s a rare quality, one that sets her apart from everyone else I%u2019ve ever met. Ashley isn%u2019t just dedicated; she%u2019s in a league of her own, and it%u2019s been a privilege to witness that level of commitment up close.What is the most memorable experience you had while watching Ashley win her trophy, and how did that make you feel as her coach?Out of countless memorable moments, one that truly stands out is when she won the Mile High in Denver back in 2018. That victory was particularly special for several reasons. It was her first show after taking about a year and a half off, our first time working together, and there were so many unknowns leading up to it. We didn%u2019t know exactly how she would stack up after the break, but when she clinched that win with a perfect score, I knew something extraordinary was about to unfold. I remember thinking, %u201cGet ready%u2014she%u2019s back, and better than ever. This is going to be a wild ride.%u201d And indeed, it has been. I still can%u2019t quite believe how far we%u2019ve come. Together, we%u2019ve won over 35 shows, which is absolutely insane. The journey has been nothing short of incredible.How do you maintain the level of success your team has achieved, especially in such a competitive industry?Maintaining success is fundamentally about continuing to do what got you there in the first place: performing at the highest level. Consistency in performance is what keeps you relevant in this industry. It%u2019s really that straightforward%u2014if you perform, you stay in the game; if you don%u2019t, you fade into obscurity. No one is going to trust a coach who doesn%u2019t have a proven track record of success. It%u2019s like hiring a financial advisor who%u2019s broke%u2014it just doesn%u2019t make sense. Success speaks for itself, and in this business, the proof is always in the results. Performance isn%u2019t just the key to getting ahead; it%u2019s essential to staying there.What trends have you noticed in the physique competition industry over the years?Since 2018, the evolution of the Bikini division has been dramatic, with competitors becoming significantly more muscular and impressively lean. The level of conditioning and muscle development we see today is a far cry from what was once considered the norm. In fact, the Bikini athletes of today are not only leaner but also far more muscular than the Figure competitors of the early 2000s. The standards have shifted so much that what was once the pinnacle of muscle and conditioning in Figure is now being surpassed by the top Bikini competitors. This transformation highlights the incredible advancements in training, nutrition, and overall dedication within the sport.What advice would you give to aspiring athletes looking to earn their pro card in Bikini competitions?Give yourself the time necessary to develop a truly exceptional physique. Remember, you%u2019re striving to go pro in a highly competitive sport, and like any elite-level achievement, earning a pro card is incredibly challenging. This journey is not meant to be easy or ordinary%u2014it%u2019s designed to be one of the toughest goals you%u2019ll ever pursue. Understand that the path to success can be long and demanding. It%u2019s not uncommon for athletes to take 7 years or more to reach this level. So, don%u2019t get discouraged if it doesn%u2019t happen within 2-4 years. Stay committed, stay patient, and keep pushing toward your goal.What are your goals for Team Elite Physique moving forward?I%u2019m committed to staying true to my vision%u2014I%u2019ll never hire another coach again. Bikini coaching has become increasingly complex, and my focus is on quality over quantity. My goal is to keep things smaller, work directly with more clients, and ensure the highest level of coaching. Financial growth isn%u2019t my priority at this stage in my life. Instead, my drive is to win, with a relentless focus on eventually securing the Olympia title and increasing the number of pros I develop each year.MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 51 45