A Sunshine Coast mum-of-three who only began professional bodybuilding in 2020 is aiming to add a prestigious global title in Las Vegas to her growing resume.
Three years ago, Kristy Graham-Kumabe was recovering from major surgery.
“I had no core strength whatsoever post-surgery. To the extreme that I couldn’t even lift my head up pain free. My husband helped me stand, walk, dress, go to the toilet etc,” she says.
“I now have a nice big scar that I wear with pride. It runs across my lower belly that most think is a c-section scar but is in fact from surgery.”
Mrs Graham-Kumabe, 37, jumped into bodybuilding at the height of the pandemic.
“A friend of mine introduced me to Scott Hipwell at Muscle Hut Gym,” she says
“It’s been 120 per cent since then.
“I knew it was going to be a challenge. I probably love it more now.”
Since then, Mrs Graham-Kumabe has clinched three Australian titles and in June, flew to Florence, Italy where she was crowned professional natural physique world champion at the 2022 INBA PNBA World Championships.
“That was definitely a dream come true,” she says.
“Even now I’m still pinching myself.”
Mrs Graham-Kumabe spends three to four hours in the gym each day to sculpt her body – and manages to fit in the school run too but notes her goals are not achievable with the support of her family.
“There are many times at night I cook up a beautiful creamy truffle pasta for the kids and hubby and I will eat chicken, rice and broccoli,” she says, laughing.
Mrs Graham-Kumabe says bodybuilding has changed her life in myriad ways.
“It takes a lot of time, energy and sacrifice,” she says.
“Learning how to fuel the body to perform at this level has been fascinating to me.”
Mrs Graham-Kumabe says there are many misconceptions about bodybuilding including that it is unhealthy.
“I hold a lot of muscle mass for a female, so people often question whether that’s natural or not,” she says.
“I am completely natural and very proud of it.”
Mrs Graham-Kumabe is preparing for the Pinnacle Pro/Am Natural Olympia at Las Vegas in November.
Images: Kristy Graham-Kumabe
